Jeremy Irwin always wanted to be involved in the fight game. His plan started when he was sitting cage side at a Strike Force event in California. In 2009 he created a clothing company called Fifth Round Clothing which has opened up doors to several ventures in the MMA industry. In addition to his clothing line, he manages fighters, works as a commentator for Ultimate Reno Combat, and on April 6, 2013 he will make his MMA debut at Valley Fight Series.
Irwin from Reno, Nevada checked in with Examiner.com to talk about his MMA ventures, training and thoughts about the industry.
Q:How did Fifth Round Clothing (5rc) come about?
A:Fifth Round Clothing was the brainchild of my partner and myself, we have been MMA fans for years and wanted to do something within the industry, it started with one shirt design and here we are almost four years later with Olympic athletes, world champions as well as many up and coming pros/amateurs on our resume of people we have been able to help along the way. Our philosophy is simple, give back to the sport we love with proceeds from our shirt sales and well known MMA brand fight gear sales through affiliate programs.
Q:What was your previous background in martial arts?
A:My MMA background began with Jiu-Jitsu when I was a teenager; I trained at a local non-profit dojo for a few years. For the past three years I have been training all-around MMA.
Q:Does training and now fighting help you relate to fighters?
A:I feel that training and now fighting does help me to relate to fighters and has really opened my eyes to how demanding this sport is on your body and mind. Also, training/fighting is helpful for my duties as a commentator.
Q:You run your MMA clothing company, work as a commentator for a Reno based MMA promotion….why add fighter to your MMA resume?
A:I’ve been on the outside of the cage in just about every capacity, fighting is the next logical step. I’ve been training with a lot of great guys for a long time and it’s time to make that transition from sparring partner to fighter.
Q:What lessons, advice or observations from your mma ventures will help you succeed in the cage?
A:MMA is still a budding sport and there are a lot of opportunities out there whether you’re stepping in the cage to fight, starting your own clothing company or promotion, the sky’s the limit if you’re passionate and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in MMA, you have to be passionate. Best advice I’ve received - Keep your hands up!
Presented once again by Traffic Magazine and sponsored by Smack Down Wrestling, Dream Training Center, and Juanito’s Mexican Restaurant, H&R Block, AAA Insurance, SK Energy Shots and Chemical Imbalance. Valley Fight Series will take place Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the Reedley Community Center.
Tickets for the event are now on sale and available for purchase. General Admission tickets are $30.00. Exclusive and limited Cage-side seats are $40.00. VIP tables are $400.00, which includes eight seats, and dinner provided by Juanito’s Mexican Restaurant. Tickets are available exclusively online by visiting www.valleyfightseries.com
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