Ian Roberto Interview
By Asgard • Dec 11th, 2007 • Category: Uncategorized
Asgard has interviewed Ian Roberto who presents the UFC commentate in Swedish TV4 Sports. TV4 Sports has begun to broadcast UFC live in Sweden for the first time making many MMA fans happy.
Asgard: Welcome to Asgard, Ian. You are the brother of Paulo Roberto a Swedish ex pro-boxer. Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Ian: Born in Stockholm 180cm 85kg. My sports career started with Judo when I was 7 years old. Then I did Taekwondo, Boxing, Wing Tsun, BJJ, Muay Thai and Shooto. I love martial arts, you see?
Asgard: Can you explain how UFC broadcasting started in Sweden?
Ian: ViaSat Sport has been showing boxing bouts via PPV.
It was usually on in the early morning. So I and my friends used to get together and watch Mike Tyson and the likes. Then TV4 Sports, a new TV channel started to show MMA which was a new trend in Sweden. MMA is a new sport and breaking ground in the US.
So TV4 sport bought the broadcasting rights for the IFL, K1 and the UFC, and is currently showing it on free view.
Asgard: IFL is getting popular and people talk about it.
Ian: Yes, people like the IFL which is broadcasted every week. We have broadcasted three UFC shows and are currently showing the IFL. We also show every K1 event. Me and Paulo commentate during the UFC events. Before the events we prepare and study the fighters closely and their stats and traits. The events feed in live from the US or UK, generally this is at 4am. Basically we filter out Joe Rogan’s voice and commentate on the live feed. This work usually takes about 4 hours and it can be very stressful.
Asgard: Which fighters do you like?
Ian: Oh, there are so many. BJ Penn comes first. He is a genius. I like his very relaxed fighting style. It is important to make your body relax when fighting. If your body is tense and hard, the hits take their toll and you tire more easily. BJ style always excites people. I also like Anderson Silva, Roger Huerta and Matt Serra. Yes, I am an Italian!!
Asgard: Per Eklund has recently signed a contract with the UFC and recently made his debut as a pro boxer. What did you think about his boxing and do you have any advice for him?
Ian: He did well in his first fight seeing as the first fight is often very difficult. Boxing is a game where you stay in the pocket and strike. MMA usually require more variable transitions, which work well with takedowns, counters and other attacks.
I hope Per puts on an exciting fight for fans, and doesn’t work around his opponent too much but rather impose his own game on his opponent. I think Per can do it. TV4 Sports have already bought all UFC shows for 2008 and K1 too and some very good news are coming soon for all the MMA fans in Sweden. I can’t tell you yet officially but please hang in there!
Asgard: Wow, a surprise coming from TV4? Thank you for your time, Ian.
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awesome!
its so much fun that mma is slowly starting to take off here in sweden!