I was fortunate enough to catch up with local 155 lb brick shit house John Ortolani today. So I figured I’d interview him because it’s raining outside and my day sucks as it is right now. I might as well do something constructive. How bout this…

Bagpipes play… The sweet lyrics to Amazing Grace pumped through cauliflowered ears. Hands wrapped tight, and teeth clench through rubber. Sweat pours down his face. Heavily breathing, yet calm and relaxed. A shine of bright light breaks the sounds of his music and chants of his name fill an arena. The walk begins, For John Ortolani this may be the most important walk he’s ever taken in his life. The walk that started it all.

“I live at home with my family” “whether in the gym or not, we’re family.” Two separate families but all the same for John Ortolani. Spending on some days nearly 6-7 hrs training MMA at Gracie Barra NH in Nashua. “On Wednesdays, sometimes we’ll train all day and night, Grab a seat on the couch after and watch the WEC on TV together…the whole team.”” We’re pretty close”. “The next morning I’ll grab Dennis (Olson) and we’ll hit up the gym and do it all over again.”

To John Ortolani, October 2nd vs. Dan Lauzon at Triumph Fighter, this will be another test. Tested since he was just a kid he never dreamed he’d be where he is today. A two sport professional athlete, Ortolani is having the summer of his life. A three-year starter in Lacrosse for the Div 1 powerhouse Billerica Indians, Ortolani never had any intensions of playing in college never mind going pro. A friend Nolan Godrey of St. Anselms College called on Ortolani to come play for him. After a transfer to Endicott College a career began. Winning two conference championships and becoming an all conference, all New England player 3 years in a row he was drafted to the Boston Cannons in 2009. Spending the season on the practice squad Ortolani gained experience and respect. One faithful day not only a month ago Ortolani was pulled up to start as face-off midfielder (His position). His team had made it to the Professional LAX playoffs. Opposite him was the 2009 Team USA representative and #1 ranked face-off midfielder in the world. Seconds later John Ortolani became a star in the world of Lacrosse beating the #1 ranked face off player in the world and breaking a streak that so many could not. Just two weeks ago they met again. Ortolani took 13 of the 21 face-offs, dismantling his opponent and earning himself respect around the LAX world.

Getting into MMA for most wrestlers is a natural progression. Wrestling seems to end after a collegiate career. Either you coach or you make a run for the Olympics. Most wrestlers with the desire for more, like Ortolani venture into MMA. After joining Gracie Barra in New Hampshire Ortoloni found his niche. His coaches, Phil Myers, John Fain, Mohamed Brooks, Bobby Belanger, Brian Viglione, and Sean Mathews prepare him each day for what has seemed a quick route to the top.
“His athleticism is what he relies on, He’s one of these super athletes that can play anything and beat you at anything. He is the epitome of an athlete. He’s very intelligent, you show him one minute and he can teach it as if he’s been doing it his whole life…” says coach John Fain(Gracie Barra NH). “He has the switch, he watches my kids, and He’s good with them. Then he can walk away and be a monster in the cage,” says Fain .

Ortolani has amassed a 4-1-1 record at the professional level. Thrown to the wolves in just his debut as a pro Ortolani scored a no contest against 170lb powerhouse Tom Moreau. Man handling Moreau through the short time they fought. Fighters and managers quickly took notice of him and made it very difficult for Ortolani to get fights locally. Recently in a triumph fighter card John won a split decision over Anis Allajajay (4-0 MMA record) that left people thinking what’s next for him?

The two sport professional athlete is about to face his toughest task yet. Garnering the ever so popular saying of “The youngest fighter to ever step foot in the UFC Octagon” Dan “D-Lau” Lauzon stands prepped and ready to steer the rising star off course. Lauzon, The UFC veteran aims to stake there is a significant difference from local MMA and MMA at the UFC level. Lauzon has never lost at the local level. Ortolani claims there is a first time for everything.

“Dan’s a great fighter, but I love the fight. I think it’s a fight I can win. I’m not going to force the fight to any place. We start standing so I’ll stand with him there and if it goes to the floor I’ll take it there. I’m comfortable where ever it goes. I know he has a reach but so doesn’t everyone in my gym, so, I’m used to that. “
“Danny is good on the ground and has a good triangle. With my camp Dennis Olson loves to triangle too, so I’m pretty used to seeing it coming from everywhere. I know he likes leg locks and leg submissions so I’ll be cautious of it when im pounding from inside his guard” – John Ortolani

For tickets to see: John Ortolani vs. Dan Lauzon

Triumph Fighter 3 “Hostile”
October 2nd 2010

I will be interviewing Dan Lauzon as well. I tried to reach him today but he was busy. Keep an eye out for it. – Bonnell