Chris Camozzi Reflects on his Time in the Fight Game
Chris Camozzi answers a few questions from Revgear’s Paulina Granados
Where are you from?
I was born in Alameda, California and I moved to Denver in 1997 so originally from California but I’ve spend most of my life in Colorado.
How old were you when you started martial arts? How did you get into it? Tell us a little bit about your youth.
I’d say my first real start with combat sports would be when I started wrestling in 9th grade. It looked tough and fun so I decided to try it out. I’d never worked out so hard in my life and I was hooked on it.
I wrestled all through high school and once I graduated I wanted to keep doing something competitive so I started going to a local Kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu gym called Gumm MMA owned by former UFC fighter Brad Gumm. After about 6 months of training, Brad asked me if I was interested in trying out a fight, of course I said yes and the rest is kind of history. I was addicted to the sport and haven’t stopped since!
What is your favorite style of martial arts?
it’s hard to pick a favorite martial art but I would have to say Kickboxing/Muay Thai if I was forced to pick. I love striking and it’s a whole different kind of puzzle to solve.
What do you consider your strengths?
I’d say one of my biggest strengths is my mindset. Any kind of challenge makes me more competitive and if someone tells me I can’t do something it makes me want to do it more. I have a mentality where I feel like no one can break me.
What are some of your proudest moments as a fighter?
Some of my proudest moments as a fighter have come from helping other people by using the platform I’ve got. Before the UFC did away with sponsors, I used to select a charity each fight and help raise and donate money to them. It was always a cause I felt passionate about and it was an honor to be able to help and bring more attention to things
Which fight has been the hardest for you (inside or outside of the cage)?
All fights are hard and I’ve had some battles in the cage but I would say out of the cage has been the hardest. I’m 34 now and I’m getting to a point where I need to start planning the rest of my life and what I do in the future. It’s a hard reality to think at some point I will have to step away and not come back. I do want to transition to coaching but nothing will ever compare to being the one in there getting your hand raised.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I don’t have a lot of hobbies because training, coaching and fighting take up most of my life but when I do get some free time, I enjoy hunting, traveling and getting outdoors. I’m an active person.
Hidden Talents?
If you asked my girlfriend, she would tell you my #1 hidden talent is creating small talk with strangers and elevator conversation hahahah. She doesn’t understand it!
What can we expect from you at PFL?
I said above that I’m starting to look at life after fighting. This doesn’t mean I care less but it’s in my head. I believe this makes me more dangerous because right I have it in my head that I need to go for broke, I’m not going to be doing this a lot longer and I need to take what’s on the table now. In the PFL you will see exactly that. No shortcuts, no easy way and I’m leaving it all in there!
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Resilient, intelligent and unbreakable
How long have you been coaching?
I’ve been coaching people for about 10-12 years now but nothing full time. This past year I have taken to coaching everyday at Resilience Code in Denver. I love teaching new people and veterans. It’s a fun challenge because every person has a different way of learning and there are always different challenges to helping people grow but I love a good challenge.
What is your favorite cheat meal?
My favorite cheat meal has to be pizza or pasta. I’ll crush a whole pizza. I do have to say, dieting is not as bad as I remember and I stay pretty healthy year round so a cheat meal here and there, won’t hurt!
Make sure to follow Chris Camozzi on Instagram to keep up with his latest news and tune in to PFL on ESPN to see Chris Camozzi in action.
