In less than 2 weeks, Arnaud Lepont will be heading into the biggest fight of not only his career, but his entire life when he steps in the cage against Asia’s no.1 lightweight, Evolve MMA’s Shinya Aoki at ONE FC: Rise of Kings at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. He’s brash, he’s cocky, he’ll get in your face and he’ll never back down from a fight, maybe that’s why people call him “The Game”. That’s what you see when he steps in the cage to face any man who stands in front of him. What you don’t see is Arnaud Lepont when he’s alone and it’s time to turn “The Game” off. In case people don’t know, there’s a big difference between The Game and Arnaud Lepont.
We managed to speak to Lepont and got a very candid interview with him on various topics such as his upcoming fight with Shinya Aoki, his preparation for his fight, the difference between The Game and Arnaud Lepont, the haters, what food he misses the most when cutting weight and his Mohawk. So check out the interview and when you feel that Monday’s treating you bad, just remember that it’s probably rougher for Arnaud Lepont and he can’t have that Big Mac you’re going to have for lunch later.Enjoy the interview Nation!
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TFN: First and foremost, thank you for the interview Arnaud.
The Game: Thank you for having me.
TFN: You’ve got your wish and you’re going to face Shinya Aoki. Is this a dream come true?
The Game: Exactly! I have always admired and respected Shinya Aoki’s career. He is one of my idols since I started to practice and train MMA. Facing him in the ONE FC cage is a everything I dream about. Once I heard, “to be a legend, you have to beat the Legend”. It’s my time to shine.
TFN: You’ve said that it’s not as important to you to win a belt as it is for you to face your idol. Would it be fair for us to say that you would be content if this fight with Shinya was your last fight?
The Game: I am thinking about it. I have to be honest. I am 32, I have a 10-1 record, 20-1 with my amateur fights. If I beat Shinya, I will have to sit with Victor and find a new goal, a new motivation. It’s more important for me to be a good father than a good fighter. After that fight, I want to spend time with my son. I miss him a lot.
TFN: What was your first reaction when ONE FC told you that you had the fight against Shinya?
The Game: First I had to sit down! lol! I was really excited and I think I was jumping around all over my house. It is a reward for all the years of sacrifices. I think I am a good fighter and also an entertainer. That’s why this fight is not about Evolve vs Muayfit, it’s a fans favorite’s battle.
TFN: How do you plan to prepare for what very well could be the biggest fight of your life?
The Game: I started my camp at Muayfit then I moved to Tiger Muay Thai in Thailand to train with Roger Huerta and Maccachero. I will be back next week to finish my training in Malaysia with my team mates at Muayfit.
TFN: We heard that during the promotional photo shoot Shinya didn’t want to meet you and didn’t even want to be in the same room as you. How do you feel about that?
The Game: I was disappointed. As a professional I think you can put a hell of a war in the cage but still show respect to your opponent before and after. I am still a fan of the character, not anymore of the man. I hope to teach him respect. I am away from my family and son to prepare for that main event fight. I suffer every single second now. I hope that anger will lead me to victory when I face him.
TFN: In your mind, how do you see Aoki vs Lepont panning out?
The Game: I honestly see nothing. I train every distance of the fight. I am planning to trade leather or play the ground game if he wants to…my only goal for that fight is to enjoy every minute and show my never give up attitude to my fans.
TFN: What do you have to say to the haters who are ripping into you and saying you have no chance?
The Game: On paper, I have no chance. I respect that opinion. But MMA is way more than statistics. At least, I am not fighting to grow my record with easy wins or fake belts fights. In 2 weeks, I am going in a cage with one of the top five 155lbs fighters in the world. Those who hate or talk shit behind my back are behind a keyboard or fighting in B level events. I don’t care. I fight for my family. I fight for my Son. Win or lose, I want the day that he will look at what I have done for him and be proud of me. That is all that matters to me.
TFN: What’s the biggest misconception people seem to have about Arnaud Lepont?
The Game: They mistake the character and the real guy behind the character. Once you are smart enough to understand that Arnaud Lepont and The Game are two different characters, you will to start to open your eyes on who Arnaud Lepont is. I am cocky because The Game is, I am relentless because The Game is, and I have a sharp tongue because that’s the way The Game is. But I would exchange every single hour of success of my professional life for couple of minutes of calm and laughter with my family. In private, I am a calm guy.
TFN: We all know that you work hard on your diet especially since you have to cut to 155lbs. What’s the one thing you miss most when you’re cutting weight?
The Game: Hahahahahaha! Wesley, don’t put that question down especially now! Damn! lol! I miss a “white truffle” pizza, some cheese and a glass of wine :’(
TFN: Yeah, we have to admit that really sounds good. Will you always have the Mohawk?
The Game: Just because it’s me! I like the Mohawk, it matches well with my style and shape of face. The Red color is to hide the grey hairs hahahahaha! Seriously I like Red color.
TFN: Why should fans tune in to see Arnaud “The Game” Lepont at ONE FC: Rise of Kings?
The Game: Because win or lose, I bet my ass that my entrance will make you jump from your sofa, spit your ice cold beer on your TV and cheer for me once again. Game On Bitches 
Photo credit to mikeyip.com
September 28, 2012 at 11:03 am
Very disappointing behaviour from Shinya on the photoshoot thing. Hope they have a good scrap and that the Game does well considering the odds he’s facing.