Aaron “TEX” Johnson was interviewed by NextMMAFIghter.com on Sunday.

As we often get the chance to cover the Georgia MMA Scene more then other regions because its where we live, we try to stay apprised of fighters in our area. As we have attended two of Aaron’s fights that were finished in spectacular fashion, we were happy to get the chance to speak with him earlier this week.

NextMMAFighter : Aaron, thanks for taking the time to talk to us, tell us a bit about how you got started in MMA and how you found your gym Alpha Fighting Systems?

Aaron “Tex” Johnson : I started training at Knuckle-Up in Douglasville under Steve Headden about two years ago. I appreciate everything Steve and his instructors taught me. Unfortunately, I had a different attitude up until a few months ago and I was a little too aggressive when working with my teammates and Knuckle-Up gave me a wake-up call by asking me not to come back and train. Too many people were being injured due to my lack of respect and responsibility.

After competing at the Lutador Grappling Tournament a few months ago, Jimmy Long at Alpha approached me and invited me into his gym to train. This offer was under the stipulation that I train under his coaching and that I change my ways as Team Alpha is a family. “We train together, hang together and support one another.” I accepted the terms of Jimmy’s agreement and started training at Alpha the following week.

I’m proud to say that Alpha has provided me the coaching and guidance I need to continue my fight career.

NextMMAFighter : As a fighter who is still young in his MMA career, what do you still think you have to work at to be a more complete fighter.

AJ : I have been successful and fortunate during last three fights by being able to use my training in BJJ to win. I have really focused on my stand-up even before my last fight with Steve Sawyer. I was working five days a week on developing combinations and really working my techniques that I learned in Tae Kwon Do to incorporate them to the MMA game. To be a really well rounded fighter I need to continue to work my hands and my wrestling/take-downs which is a major focus for me as I train for my next fight on August 29th.

NextMMAFighter : As a professional MMA fighter now, do you train full time or are you also an instructor at your gym?

AJ : I have a strict work-out schedule at Alpha. I train approx. 20 hours a week on BJJ, 10 hours a week on stand-up and my coaches can call at anytime and tell me they are picking me up to go for a run. I have even taken up YOGA as a relaxation method and to improve my core.

I am 100% committed to being a pro fighter. As far as instructing at my gym, I am a four stripe Blue Belt so I am asked to lead class at Alpha from time to time, but I am working hard toward my Purple Belt so I can be a full-time instructor at Alpha.

Check out the www.nextmmafighter.com for the complete interview.

Thank you to Jeremy Albert with NextMMAFighter.com.