MMA B/R: Exclusive Interview with Francisco "Kiko" France of Strikeforce

Francisco "Kiko" France will make his Strikeforce debut this weekend. He is a talented MMA fighter that holds a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt. He has impressed his viewers by winning all of his victories in the first round by submission.

Kiko's 4-1-0 record didn't come about easily, and he intends to seal his presence in the ranks of Strikeforce's light heavyweight competition.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Kiko and he was very candid and straight to the point. He knows what it takes to be a true contender, and more importantly, he has what it takes.

Be sure to tune in to watch Kiko on Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery on May 15, 2010.

 

Brandon Hinchman (Bleacher Report) : What are some of your favorite Brazilian Jiu Jitsu submissions that you like to use in MMA?

Kiko France : I have so many I can use, but I'd say arm triangle is my favorite technique in MMA.

Brandon Hinchman (Bleacher Report) : When you faced Kyle Price, had you planned to throw that kick to his head, or what it something you spontaneously did?

Kiko France : I love kicks, and I was planning on kicking, but I hadn't prepared for that specifically.

Brandon Hinchman (Bleacher Report) : You only have one loss on your record. What did you learn from it that you can use for your upcoming match against Lee Brousseau?

Kiko France : I have a really bad taste in my mouth from that [fight]. I learned a lot in that fight.

I won my first fight really quick, and after that I cut weight then gained it back, so I wasn't as prepared as I should have been. [Chris Davis] was tough.

He stuffed my takedowns, and when you get stuffed, you get ****ing tired. I learned so much [from that fight]. I'm training better, and I'm a different guy now.

Brandon Hinchman (Bleacher Report) : In looking at your fights, all your victories have been in the first round. Do you expect the same result against Lee Brousseau?

Kiko France : You know, you have fifteen minutes to finish the fight, so I'm not looking for it. If it happens, it happens. I'm prepared to stand with him. But if he's on the ground, I have fifteen minutes to work.

Brandon Hinchman (Bleacher Report) : Lee Brousseau seems to give a lot of punishment to guys in the clinch and when they try to take him down. Will you look for a straight takedown, or do you think you'll try to work for it from the clinch?

Kiko France : He's going to try to not go to the ground with me, but I don't know. I'm not going to get desperate and try to finish him early. He's a really big, strong guy, but I plan to beat him.

Brandon Hinchman (Bleacher Report) : If you win, who would you like to fight next in Strikeforce?

Kiko France : I don't choose who I fight. But there are so many tough guys in Strikeforce. I'd take any fight for the right money.

Brandon Hinchman (Bleacher Report) : Who do you think is the toughest fighter in Strikeforce?

Kiko France : King Mo is tough. [Gegard] Moussassi is tough, but I thought he'd do better [against King Mo].

Brandon Hinchman (Bleacher Report) : Would you ever consider dropping to middleweight to test your Jiu Jitsu against Jake Shields?

Kiko France : I would love to fight that guy. I think I would make a great match for him. I'd have trouble getting to 185 lbs, but I would love to fight him.

Brandon Hinchman (Bleacher Report) : Were you impressed with King Mo? Could you handle him?

Kiko France : He's tough and a better wrestler than I am, but I think I could hang with him. The game of MMA has changed so much.

If he thinks he's going to take me down and keep me down, he won't. But I want to fight the best guys.

Brandon Hinchman (Bleacher Report : What are your long term goals in MMA?

Kiko France : I've always had a big dream to fight with the UFC, but I'm happy with Strikeforce. I'm in Strikeforce right now, and that's great. I'm happy right now.

Brandon Hinchman (Bleacher Report) : Thanks Kiko, and good luck in your upcoming match.

Kiko France : Absolutely. Thank you.