DREAM 3 - Joachim Hansen Interview

Joachim “Hellboy” Hansen faced to Eddie Alvarez on 11th of May in DREAM 3 Lightweight Grand Prix. In Saitama Arena. While Hansen lost the battle by unanimous decision, the fight was the best bout of the night and received the standing ovation from the entire crowd. After the fight both Alvarez and Hansen prized each others skill in this epic bout.

Asgard interviewed Hansen after the fight.

Asgard: How are you? You look fine, just a small mark under your eye.
Hansen: I am ok but a bit sore in my right knee (smile). I went to the hospital after the fight due to the standard medical check up. I got scanned and all is just fine.

A: Tell us about Eddie Alvarez.
H: He has very strong punches. I took the first hit like a man. After that I don’t remember. The second one came really fast. He is good.

A: It happened in the first 10 seconds…
H: Everything got black for a moment. And when I came back a second hit came. I survived the high kick. After that I fought by instinct. I tried to fight back as hard as I could.

A: When did you know that the Alvarez was about to happen?
H: One month ago. I did not do any extra training. I just follow my usual schedule.

A: You chased Alvarez during your scramble on the ground and nearly got him in a arm bar…
H: Yes, it was on and his elbow made a sound, but it was sweaty slippery. It was the toughest fight I ever had, that’s all I can say.

A: What was your fight plan for Alvarez?
H: I don’t usually make plans. I feel and study the opponent from the first contact in the ring.

A: So you read the map and drive at he same time so to speak.
H: I don’t know. My coach Aristo helps me to read the map and gives me the directions. I couldn’t move well to the right this time.
Aristo (coach): I screamed to Jocke [a nick for Joachim] to move to the right. He had a light concussion after the first strike, you see. But he fought back hard and came back strong.

A: (To Aristo) How is Jocke’s boxing going?
Aristo: Jocke has experienced 12 fights in amateur boxing (Norway do not allow professional boxing) and made 8 KOs. His boxing is so much better now. I know he has capacity to learn more. He will be a better striker for sure. By the way, have you seen Jocke’s eyes turn black? You know, when they turn black, it is the Hellboy that enters into his soul. Some time ago during a boxing bout and Jocke was winning the fight. In the third round after the referee break, the opponent didn’t want to touch gloves and attacked Jocke right away. The hit connected and Jocke’s eyes turned black. He put his hand near the mat, which looked really weird, and then he came back with this awesome upper cut! The opponent shot upward like a rocket. That was an amazing moment and I still clearly remember “the rocket shot”.

A: What’s next? UFC?
H: I don’t know the future, but I want to fight in Japan now.

A: Your thoughts on MMA in Scandinavia?
H: There are many talented fighters in Scandinavia. I hope that more fighter’s from Scandinavia will show up in the big circuit. My student Toresen is training hard for the big scene.

A: Something that you would like to share with up and coming fighters?
H: Yes, before the fight I usually keep myself away from uncontrolled forums on Internet. There is so much information – both good and bad and this can really mess with your head. So you keep yourself in the shade and protect yourself from disinformation.

A: Any message to your fans?
H: Please let me tell that I heartily appreciate my fans and their warm support, which make me very happy. They always give me a big energy. This time I have lost the fight this time and Eddie was very tough. I get rest for a while and start training again. I want to win for the next time for them. Also I want to express my thanks to hard working DREAM staff and my coach Aristo.