March Fighter of the Month – Anthony Leone Interview

Anthony Leone, a featherweight fighting out of the Bombsquad in New York, is the Northeast MMA March Fighter of the Month. At just 21 years old, Anthony has an Amateur record of 1-0 and a Professional record of 5-0 with the last three wins coming in January, February and March of this year. Anthony’s last fight was a ground battle with Chris Grandmaison that Leone won by Unanimous decision with a score of 20-18 on all three cards. Leone began his Professional career on the big island of Hawaii under the tutelage of BJ Penn and has shown amazing heart and talent in his wins. I managed to catch up with Anthony at home in Moriches, NY during a break between his hectic fighting, training and world-traveling and got him to answer a few questions for you. Anthony seemed surprised and honored by the request and the recognition. So without further ado, here is your Fighter of the Month for March 2009.

NEMMA: What was the first martial art that you trained in? How old were you?

Leone: Is wrestling considered a martial art? I think 15??

NEMMA: How did you get into MMA?

Leone: Kinda just happened I guess. The transition from wrestling to MMA was very natural for me.

NEMMA: How long have you been training to fight?

Leone: Like its’ my job for almost 2 years.

NEMMA:  You trained with B.J. Penn in Hilo, HI, how did that come about?

Leone:  Well he is actually my half brother. Lol,  just messing. Basically went to Hilo to go train and                eventually was training with BJ after 4 months of training there.

NEMMA: What was it like training with BJ? Do you have any insider insights on his training camp as far   as cardio training, relaxation, etc?

Leone: It was a great experience and one that I will never forget. He’s a real chill guy and funny but when its time to train he has this look in his eyes like none other. The training camp is probably more relaxed then most.

NEMMA: Did you get up to the North Shore and surf Pipeline, Sunset or any of the other “name” spots while there?

Leone: Well actually the famous north shore Hawaii is on Oahu. I stayed in Hilo which is on the island of Hawaii. But I did stay in Oahu for 5 days and went to Waimea Bay which is one of the best big wave surf spots in the world. I didn’t have my board with me but I did do a lot of body boarding. Surf was good in Hilo though  and I took full advantage of it. 

NEMMA: Who is your favorite active MMA fighter to watch?

Leone: I’m going to have to say BJ or Fedor. I really try to emulate Fedor’s standup, in the way he throws his punches. He’s a pioneer for the MMA stand up. Too many people try to box or use Muay Thai but it’s so different when its MMA and I believe Fedor’s style is the best, with his looping punches and relentless attack.

NEMMA: Who is your all-time favorite fighter?

Leone: No one really comes to mind.

NEMMA: Who is your biggest MMA influence?

Leone:  Anyone who has accomplished what they went out for.

NEMMA: Do you think you will be in line for a WCF title fight in the near future?

Leone: Not sure. I only fought once for them. If they want to throw a title fight at me I’d be more than happy to take it back to NY.

NEMMA: What do you feel is the next step in your career?

Leone: I think 155lb. The weight cut is pretty tuff and my goals are the UFC. I’m not sure though, whatever my manager gets me I will take.

NEMMA: What’s in your IPOD right now for music?  

Leone: My IPOD sucks, I never update that thing. Kanye West, RHCP. Talyor Swift, David Allen Coe. I like everything, even country. My training partner is from Georgia and he loves that stuff.

NEMMA:  How do you relax when you’re not training?

Leone: I really enjoy surfing when I can. I don’t really watch TV or play video games. I like to stay as active as possible.

NEMMA:  You have a great Teddy Roosevelt quote on your Myspace page. If you could, what one other person from history would you be interested in meeting?

Leone: Thank you, I live by that quote. I’m bad at history. Maybe Ron Jeremy?

NEMMA:  Do you have any fights coming up soon?

Leone:  Hopefully  June 6^th. in Atlantic City. I was kinda getting in the routine of fighting once a month and was starting to enjoy it. It’s almost been two months since my last fight and I’m itching to get out there.

NEMMA: What was your toughest or most memorable fight so far?

Leone: I think they were all tough guys but I felt like i was in control of all of them. I never felt in danger once. I will have to give that award to Jeff Denz. I took this fight on like a week notice. He was like 6’1 at 150lb but he wasn’t skinny. The guy was ripped up. He was tough as hell, I went for submission after submission, and hit him with heavy shots and I still couldn’t put him away.

NEMMA: Where is Moriches and what is there to do there for fun?

Leone: Eastern LI, NY, about 15min away from the Hamptons. My graduating class was about 90 kids and there’s not a whole lot to do. I go out to the city a lot when I want to do something or I just leave and go to Hawaii lol.