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WE TALK TO JEFF CURRAN (MMA Unlimited)
March 9, 2009 Written By: Al Yu
Jeff Curran re-invents himself in the WEC's bantamweight division.
Jeff Curran is one of the busiest fighters in the sport of mixed martial arts. He has built his career from the ground up and is proud of where his hard work and dedication has taken him.
Having fought in Pride, UFC, ZST, and the IFL, Curran is one of the most experienced featherweight fighters today. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt is the owner of Curran Martial Arts Academy in Crystal Lake, Ill. and is also the owner/promoter of three smaller MMA organizations. The former Shooto America champion has faced some very tough competition and remains as one of the tireless faces in the business.
Curran returned to the WEC in August of 2008 after a nearly five-year absence. The first opponent under his exclusive four-fight contract was Hardcore Gym’s Stephen Ledbetter. After earning a unanimous decision win over Ledbetter, the Illinois resident was set to contend for the featherweight belt held by Urijah Faber.
Curran had the opportunity to reach the most defining moment of his career when he faced Faber for the World Extreme Cagefighting 145-pound division title. Unfortunately, the “Big Frog” was defeated and his dream of wearing WEC gold was put on hold. In the second round of their championship fight, Faber caught Curran in a tight guillotine and he was forced to tap. He suffered the first submission loss of his long career.
“This is the first time I have ever been submitted in my entire career and my spirit is so hurt by it. I live for Jiu-Jitsu and feel like I let a lot of people down. I just want to apologize for that,” said Curran.
In his subsequent fight, Curran faced the always tough Mike Brown. Having fought at lightweight for most of career, Brown moved down in weight to take on Curran and the size advantage was apparent. After three rounds, Jeff found himself on the losing end of a decision and his first back-to-back losses in years. Brown would go on to capture the 145-pound championship, defeating Urijah Faber in impressive fashion.
Previously considered as one of the top 145-pound fighters in the world, Jeff Curran now looks to make an impact in the WEC’s flourishing bantamweight division.
“I think this division is stacked to the top with talent. Everyone is not only tough, but technical and in great shape. That's a dangerous recipe.”
“Training is going awesome. Weight is coming off well and I feel strong as ever. [There was] no adjustment needed, I am naturally a small guy. Especially leaving out the Beer” Currans said laughing.
At WEC 40, Curran faces a tough test in Urijah Faber protégé Joseph Benavidez. Benavidez is undefeated and successfully made his WEC debut back in December of last year.
“I am focusing a lot on wrestling. I know I have the tools regardless to beat him. My guard is one of the better guards in the sport I feel and he will have a hard time surviving in it for too long if he chooses to try and get me down. If he decides to stand then that's his problem!”
“I think he is very talented. I think he has good skills all across the board but a little wild in some parts but that’s what makes guys like him dangerous so it’s not a bad thing. I respect him and I respect his coaches. They come to win and I wouldn't want it any other way.”
Having lost two fights in a row, Curran is placed in a must-win situation. There is a lot of pressure on him to make a successful bantamweight debut.
“I love pressure. I am so amped for this fight I can't explain it. I am not afraid of losing because I know I am not going to. There just isn't any other option.”
A win over Benavidez could place Curran in line for a shot at 135-pound kingpin Miguel Torres. Does Jeff Curran believe he deserves a shot?
“I know I deserve a shot,” responded a confident Curran. “Bowles had to pull so he may have to wait his turn after I step in. One way or the other it doesn't matter. The belt’s mine, it just hasn't been put around my waste yet.”
At WEC 40, the “Big Frog” has the chance to establish himself as one of the best bantamweight fighters in the world. A big win over Joseph Benavidez would put back on track in his quest for a championship.
“I would just like to tell everyone that I am sorry for falling short on my past two fights, but I promise, I am coming into this fight with zero reservations and leaving it all on the line. Thanks for all your unconditional support. It’s really great to know I am a part of the WEC in general, but fighting for them in my city of Chicago is just the icing on the cake. The fans here are some of the best in the world. Let's bring home the ‘W’.”
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