than men, however men find this very difficult to admit!! hahaha!!
AR: With the growth of MMA around the globe, do you feel that BJJ is in danger of being squashed by the very sport that got it around the globe in the first place? (The reason I ask that question is that I cannot believe EFNSports is the first person to interview the 1st European BJJ World Champion at BJJ).
LC: It is true that MMA is more and more popular and I like to watch UFC, Cagerage etc!!lol!!
We should not forget that BJJ is an entire martial art. But BJJ needs to be in the media in order for MMA and No-Gi not to squash it. Even today BJJ is the one to have and lots of MMA fighters work on it and No-Gi. In BTT for instance if you want to be an MMA fighter you have to study BJJ and No-Gi.
AR: How do you feel about the newly introduction of MMA in France?
LC: With MMA being recognized in France it is a good way to structure the sport. France fighters are obliged to fight abroad and its a shame because they have no recognition in France. We need more exposure on French TV.
AR: With the introduction of MMA in France, do you think that BJJ has an important role in educating the general public and new MMA fans?
LC: Totally agree. We need to educate the public to work on the ground, the thing that Judo which is deep in French culture has totally rejected. But in order to educate the French public to MMA, requires alot of time. Too many early UFC video’s are in the mind of the French puplic when you first mention MMA, so they have a very violent opinion of it.
AR: Do you plan to fight MMA in the near future?
LC: No i don’t think so. BJJ is one sport and I do not like stand up. lol!!
AR: Who are some of your favorite BJJ and MMA fighters today?
LC: I really like Mario Reis and Romulo Baral. In MMA im supporting Jess Liaudin and Cheik Kongo as im French I am obliged. I like dynamic fights and dynamic fighters so GSP and Karo Parisyan.
AR: What is your training regimen like these days?
LC: I train 4 -5 time a week.
AR: With all this going on in your life what is next for Laurence Cousin?
LC: I want to defend my title next june. My marriage next August, so there is not only BJJ in life!!lol!!
For other tournaments we will see. Try to gain more popularity outside of France would be cool!! lol!!
AR: Any last words and thanks to your friends and family?
