At 36 years old, Jason Novelli understands he’s not your average fight prospect. Most of today’s top up and coming fighters are closer to 26 than they are to 36. That’s just fine with him. He’s happy just to fight and continue working his way up the ranks.
“Maybe some of these young guys get a little more attention than me, that’s fine, I’ll just keep on fighting and keep on winning.” – Jason Novelli
It’s this type of attitude coupled with his exceptional performances in the cage that have helped Novelli amass an 11-1 record as a pro. A record like that gets you noticed, and it would seem that the time is now for him.
It was announced last week that he would be fighting in the co-main event at Titan FC 38 on April 30th in Miami, Florida against Yosdenis Cedeno. Cedeno is coming off a four-fight run with the UFC and is a dangerous power puncher from the Florida based Blackzilians camp. For Novelli though, this is just another fight and he doesn’t seem overly concerned with the skills of Cedeno.
“I’m not too concerned with his power,” Novelli told me. “He has sloppy technique and I don’t see this 5’ 8” guy being able to get inside on me.”
All of this, of course, delivered to me with the maturity of a man his age. He wasn’t being boastful or condescending, he was being honest and open. This as it turns out is classic Novelli, mature and to the point.
Heading into this fight, Novelli will be facing one new obstacle, training at a new gym. Recently, Portland based gym Rose City FC had to close its doors, and this has forced him and many others to find a new home for training. For Novelli, that new home is Gracie Barra Portland. With standout fighters like Ed Herman, Dave Jansen, and Pat Healy calling this gym home, it was likely an easy decision for him. This transition has been a smooth one according to him.
“My last fight camp was a little hectic but the transition was kind of easy. The guys [at Gracie Barra] were really welcoming and they have a good focus over there.”
While Novelli considers himself to be very self-disciplined, he credits his new team at Gracie Barra for keeping him on track throughout his training process to help build toward success in the cage. Coupling this support from his new team with the training partners he still has at 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Portland, and it would seem that the sky is the limit for the lightweight title hopeful.
With his focus on continuing his success in the Titan FC cage and a potential jump to the UFC, Jason Novelli is eating, sleeping, and breathing fighting. His family is a huge support system for him, especially the support he gets from his brother, Nick. Following in his brother’s footsteps, Nick has quickly become one of Alaska’s hottest up and coming fighter, and Novelli credits his brother’s support and success as something that gives him the drive he needs to get through the tough times he’s faced on his journey.
“There have been times when I didn’t think I could keep fighting. This sport isn’t always the most lucrative and whenever I was thinking about walking away he was the one who was there to push me. It’s awesome having his support. Seeing him be successful is awesome and it makes me train that much harder,” said Novelli.
Jason Novelli didn’t complain when his one loss record wasn’t enough for the spotlight. He didn’t complain when younger prospects got shots he knew he too deserved. He kept fighting and kept winning until he forced people to take notice. Now, with Titan FC 38 just a month away, it’s his turn to have the spotlight cast in his direction and Jason Novelli is ready to prove age is just a number.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
