Part-time crime-fighter, full-time World Series of Fighting employee: Phoenix Jones (real name Ben Fodor) makes his debut for the promotion at WSOF 20 on Friday at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut (NBCSN, 9 p.m. ET). Though he might moonlight as a masked crusader, Jones is no variety act -- and he intends to prove that against Emmanuel Walo when the two collide in cage.
ESPN.com picked Jones' brain to get an idea as to what makes him tick, the inspiration behind the superhero costume, and a few of the occupational hazards he has dealt with while trying to rid the Seattle streets of miscreants:
What's the inspiration behind the costume, and have you ever had to have it repaired?
Yes I've had to have it repaired after a few knife fights. Lance [Coulter], from Xtreme Design FX, is the only person qualified to fix the suit.
Who is your favorite comic book character, and how does that character provide inspiration?
Nightwing was my favorite because he did it his way, he left Batman, took his own city, and built his own legend, which is exactly what I did.
How did you break the news to your family that you, Ben Fodor, is the man behind the mask and fighting crime?
I called my mom from jail to ask for $3500 bail, haha. She was super pissed, but has always been her version of supportive.
What was the incident that made you want to take crime-fighting into your own hands?
My son was hurt during a car break-in and I was like, 'F--- it. I've got the skills, I better step up. If not me, then who?'
What has been your closest call to serious injury?
I was chasing a guy who was in a shootout. He pointed the gun at me and pulled the trigger, but it was empty. My entire heart sank; I thought this is it. Once it did not fire, I disarmed him and that was that.
How does Seattle law enforcement feel about your moonlighting, crime-fighting duty?
I'm sure they don't like it but I'm not breaking the law so I don't care or feel the need to ask their permission. If they need to get ahold of me they have my attorneys number.
What can you apply in the cage that you've learned from your nights patrolling the streets?
Being the toughest is sometimes being the smartest. And ALWAYS assess your abilities accurately otherwise you find yourself in crazy, unpredictable positions where you get hurt and no one gets saved.
Who did you look up to growing up?
Mostly fictional characters. I didn't have a lot of real role models growing up, so I used my favorite comic books and superheroes as guidance. Vegeta for his training and dedication. Goku for his heart. Nightwing for making his own path. Captain America for never being corrupt. I hope I embody all these things when I fight so kids have what I never had to look up to.