New Interview - Gold Medal Grappling's Brian Van Hoven

On The Spot ~ Brian Van Hoven

Coming off a devastating knockout win over Vinnie Samero at July's World Extreme Fighting show in Kissimmee, Fla., Brian Van Hoven recently took time out of his busy schedule to answer questions with MMA Spot's Chris Dennison. A former U.S. Marine, devoted family man and training partner, Van Hoven trains with the likes of Kris McCray of "The Ultimate Fighter Season 11," Elijah Harshbarger and many other up-and-coming fighters making names for themselves out of Gold Medal Grappling in Woodbridge, Va.

Van Hoven, a rising force in the lightweight division, spoke about his recent knockout victory, how his time in the Marines prepared him for his fighting career and his future aspirations in the sport of MMA.

Chris Dennison: How does it feel to get a victory following the first loss of your career?

Brian Van Hoven: It is never easy to swallow defeat, but as I always say if does happen it's how you come back from defeat that makes a true champion. I felt very humble, happy and relieved at the same time. It was just an off night when I lost.

Dennison: What was your game plan for your fight against Vinnie Samero?

Van Hoven: There was really no game plan other than to be the aggressor, let my hands go and set a pace to break my opponents spirit. That is always our motto at Gold Medal Grappling. We were both wrestlers, but I also wanted to show that I can also stand up if needed.

Dennison: What was going through your mind right before you landed the fight ending left? And what did you do to set up the punch?

Van Hoven: Honestly, right before I landed the punch I felt the fight was going to end. I told everyone in my gym that one of us was getting knocked out and it was not going to be me. I kept using leg kicks to set up everything, as I kicked he would drop his hands and try to catch my leg—using my jab and circling around him opened the door for the punch.

Dennison: You fought Mike Lee back in January, who defeated Justin Moore via head kick knock out at the same event you defeated Vinnie Samero. Can you explain your strategy for that fight and how you were able to pull off the submission against a BJJ black belt?

Van Hoven: Mike Lee is a great fighter and I give him much respect. When I got the call from Jamie Levine that I would be fighting Mike, I thought 'what did I get myself into?' But as fighters, if you want to be the best you have to fight the best. My trainer/manager Elijah said no at first, but later decided I had everything to gain by taken this fight—not only to mention that I would be fighting for a great promotion as well. At the time Mike was 20-7 and I was 2-0. At Gold Medal Grappling we train like animals so I knew there was nothing he could do that I hadn't already seen. I knew that my wrestling would be the deciding factor, so I really felt that's what helped me prevail. Getting a win over someone with the skills of Mike was indescribable.

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