Full Name:
Perry James Smith.
Age:
22.
Where were you born?
Sydney.
Where do you live?
Bondi, Sydney.
Which gym do you train out of?
Igor MMA.
Who are your coaches?
Igor Breakenback.
What belts or rankings do you currently hold as a martial artist?
Technically still a white belt, but I compete at blue belt level and above.
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up?
I did karate for a little while when I was younger and started training kickboxing at 14.
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession?
I took MMA seriously before I even started training it. I moved out of home — and out of the country — at 16 to pursue it. Up until then, I had only trained kickboxing.
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why?
Sparring — so I can punch Shai Krimotat in the head.
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter?
Even when things aren’t going well, I stay composed and find a way out. I don’t get overwhelmed, and I don’t get too excited when things are going my way either.
How would you describe your fighting style?
Bull in a china shop.
What is your favourite sport and why?
K-1 kickboxing — I love the exchanges and the combinations.
Who is your favourite athlete?
I wouldn’t say I have one favourite athlete.
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete?
There are a lot of guys I look up to and try to learn from — Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski are two of the main ones.
What are your immediate and long-term goals?
Immediate: win this fight and move on to the pro ranks.
Long-term: reach my full potential in this sport and become the best fighter I can be — wherever that takes me.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect?
A cracker of a fight.
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out?
A cracker of a fight.
A final message to any friends, family, and supporters:
I’m in a place now where I’m truly grateful for the people around me. The support from my gym and everyone who helps me means so much — I feel it every step of the way.
Where can fans and supporters find you on social media?
Instagram: @perry.jamesprivate
Watch Perry Smith at Eternal MMA 95 on Saturday, May 3.