Phillipe Nover (aka the “Filipino Assassin”) is an American mixed martial artist. He is best known for making it to the finals of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir.

Phillipe is currently scheduled to face fellow Ultimate fighter Alum Rob Emerson at UFC 109 on February 6, 2010 and holds a fighting record of six wins, two losses and one draw.

Phillipe was awarded a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by Alexandre “Soca” Freitas on Dec. 6, 2008. The ceremony took place at the Soca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in New York. Phillipe has been studying BJJ for the past eight years.

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Here is my Q&A session with Phillipe Nover:

James
In your opinion, what needs to change in 2010 to make MMA more widely accepted and mainstream popular?

Phillipe
MMA has come a long way in the last 15 years. It is the fastest growing sport in the world in history! It should keep its pace and 2010 will be an amazing year. One thing that can be a help which the UFC is doing is to target kids. The UFC video game, TUF, toys, and playing cards are all great ways to generate more fans.

James
What do you love most about MMA?

Phillipe
Mixed Martial Artists is the true test of a man’s ability to fight. Hand to hand combat is considered to be the first sport on earth and in my view it is the best. Nothing is more exiting then watching two well-rounded professional athletes pour out their abilities in the cage. Behind most of the gruesome, bloody and even violent battles are technical practitioners of the arts. All of the title holders like BJ Penn, George St Pierre, Lyoto Machida, and Anderson Silva set such high standards for fighting. The athleticism, conditioning, and techniques that they display almost brings them super-human qualities! I love what MMA represents and I respect anyone who is willing to step in the cage and risk it all.

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Phillipe is completely right about how MMA is becoming more generational. As “Generation Y” gets older, MMA will gain in its mainstream popularity through a natural evolution. It’s just a matter of time.

To quote Bruce Lee: “Violence is a part of life. It should be remembered that violence and aggression is part of everyday life now. You see it over the TV. You can’t just pretend that it does not exist.”

I think that the younger generation understands this better than anyone.

Thanks very much Phillipe and have a very happy New Year!

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These are my opinions. If you don’t like them…I have others. Check them out at www.mrjamesryan.com