Jason High is one of the fastest rising young welterweights in mixed martial arts today. With a career record of 9-2, he was last seen making a strong run at the DREAM Welterweight Grand Prix title, before being knocked out by tournament winner Marius Zaromskis. Earlier in that night he pulled of an upset victory over tournament favorite Andre Galvao. In fact, Sherdog had predicted that Jason would be submitted within the first five minutes of the fight. Jason showed why he is one of the most highly regarded prospects in MMA, pulling off the victory in a fantastic fight. I got a chance to talk with Jason and ask him a few questions about his career, those fights, and MMA in general.


Hey Jason, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions. I'll get right into them.


You last fought at DREAM 10 in the Welterweight Grand Prix. You went 1-1 on the night beating a very game Andre Galvao in what was an upset, and than being knocked out by Marius Zaromskis. Give us your thoughts on both fights and what you took from it?

-The Galvao fight went pretty much how we planned it. The only times I got in trouble was when I deviated from the game plan by going for a knee bar and a guillotine. You take away those 2 brain farts and there would've been no doubt I won the fight. As it was though, I made 2 mistakes that left speculation in peoples' mind, but in the end I think I was more dominant, did more damage and won the fight. The Zaromiskis fight is obviously one I'd like to do over. I had one good fight but the tournament as a whole didn't end the way I would've liked it too.


Do you have any fights coming up in the near future?

-Nothing scheduled but we're working on a few things. Looks like I'll be back early next year.


If you can put together a winning streak would you want a rematch with Marius for his DREAM Welterweight title?

-Yes.


Is there any chance of you landing with one of the major US promotions in the near future?

-Yea, it's possible. Like I said we got a few choices to make and I'll be fighting early next year.


The Ultimate Fighter has done wonder for the careers of many fighters who weren't particularly well known until the show. Could you see yourself entering the Ultimate Fighter show? Why or why not?

-Nah, not at this point. I tried out for one of the seasons before I moved to California and didn't make it.


Who are your favorite fighters to watch right now?

-I just like to see good fights. Right now I like to watch Fedor, though I wish he was more active. Of course the top guy in my weight class, GSP, is someone I always watch.


Who in your opinion is the best pound for pound fighter in the world?

-Fedor. By way of consistancy. GSP and Anderson in a tie for second.


You fought for Affliction in their last event, how did you enjoy your experience with them, and were you disappointed with the way things unfolded with them?

-It was cool fighting for Affliction, everything except for the bad fight I had. They were very professional. I just think they tried to come out a bit to hard. I would've liked to see them stick around a little longer but as it is things didn't work out for them.


When did you first decide to become a mixed martial artist and what made you want to become a fighter?

-After I was for wrestling at UN-L I was basically looking for a competitive outlet. It mostly started out as a hobby, like, hey..that looks like fun.


Who is your biggest inspiration as a fighter?

-When I first started I looked up to Kevin Randleman, the first fight I saw was the Pride show when he ko'd cro cop. But now I don't really have individual fighters I look up to. I'm just inspired by the sport in general, trying to be the best I can be.


You've fought both in Japan and in the States. Where do you prefer fighting, and why?

-Fighting in Japan is awesome. That whole atmosphere. Fighters over there are like football and baseball players here. They really respect and understand man to man combat. On the other hand there's nothing like fighting at home and having the support that comes with that.


How would you describe your fighting style to someone who hasn't seen you fight before?

-Im not sure man. I like to finish fights so I suppose that would describe my style. Good grappling, improving stand up and tenacity.


Are there any sponsors you would like to thank?

-I'd just like to thank my team. Everybody at the Bodyshop.


Thanks for taking the time for the interview Jason. Best of luck in your training and in your next fight! We'll be rooting for you!