The mixed martial artist in Jan
'Mixed martial arts diverted my attention from vices'
Jan Neil (extreme right) with his
co-competitors during the presscon of
Unleashed last October.
Jan Neil Villareal Silayro is a gem in the mixed martial arts arena. This Ilonggo-born individual is the first Ilonggo who will get into professional mixed martial arts competition. His recent exhibition, albeit in an amateur arena, was in Unleashed, held in Iloilo City last month.
Silayro, 18, a native of Jaro, is the son of Julio and Ma. Paz Nenneth Silayro. He graduated from Bethany Academy and started studying martial arts at the age of 16.
He's now based in Bacolod City.
Get to know more about him in this interview.
Kathy M. Villalon (Kathy): How did you discover mixed martial arts?
Jan Neil Silayro (Jan): My cousin Gian Carlo Alojado invited me to join the Bacolod Fight Club.
Kathy: What are the challenges that you face in this sport?
Jan: The practices and sparring.
Kathy: Aren't you scared to have your handsome face ruined? Or become physically incapacitated in your sport?
Jan: No, I'm not scared because this is the number one rule of the MMA sport. You defend yourself so as to protect yourself. One's weakest part is the head.
Kathy: What's your most memorable game?
Jan: My first. The feeling that you get in your first win is really good.
Kathy: What's your strength in MMA?
Jan: Freestyle.
Kathy: When is your first professional MMA competition?
Jan: That's the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) in Cebu on November 18. I will fight against someone from Cebu.
Kathy: In what ways are you preparing for the competition?
Jan: We undergo intense training. Every time I play, I always think of winning.
Kathy: What are the secrets of a successful mixed martial arts practitioner?
Jan: Train hard. Discipline. Don't smoke, don't drink alcoholic drinks. Listen to your instructor.
Kathy: What's the best thing that you've gained from this sport?
Jan: This diverted my attention from vices.
Kathy: People may have the impression that you are in this brutal sport because you have a violent streak.
Jan: People say that I am a good person.
Kathy: How do you see yourself five years from now?
Jan: As a father. I'm going to be a father this December.