Sweep the Leg III Spotlight: Andrew Sassi

Representing: Beltrante Fighting Systems

Division: Heavyweight (290 lbs) | Style: Muay Thai / BJJ

Justin Hagen (JH): We are looking at a serious physical presence in Andrew Sassi. Andrew, you’re coming from a Muay Thai background, but you’ve noted that the Kyokushin format offers a unique "middle ground"—a place where nonstop, close-quarters combat is the standard. What is it about this specific "Sweep the Leg" environment that makes it the right battlefield for you?

Andrew Sassi (AS): I love the intensity. Kyokushin encourages that relentless, inside striking. For someone who wants to test their limits in stand up fighting that also prioritizes safety with no head strikes, this tournament is the perfect battle ground.

JH: Moving as a near 300 lb tank for multiple rounds is a feat of engineering. In a tournament where your legs are the primary targets, how have you adjusted your preparation to ensure your movement and your shins hold up under the pressure?

AS: It’s all been about the engine. I’ve been rigorously training my cardio and stamina conditioning. I want to ensure that I won't gas out in the middle of the fight.

JH: Every fighter hears voices when the "pocket" gets hot and the shots land heavy. When the fight is raging on, how do you keep your composure?

AS: I just remember what my coach tells me: "It's never your opponent's turn," "defend then counter," "no matter what your opponent throws, he'll always leave an opening somewhere." I just remember these things and take my best shot.

JH: You’ve taken a very firm stance on the "No Mercy" aspect of this challenge. Once that bell rings, what should the man across from you expect in terms of intensity?

AS: As far as I'm concerned you've signed up for any sort of beating I can give you the moment you stepped into the ring with me. Unless the ref has stopped the fight or it's against the rules, then everything is a fair shot.

JH: People see the Muay Thai background and they expect the leg kicks, but you’ve got a "hidden" grappling edge. How do you plan to utilize your Jiu-Jitsu experience in a striking-heavy tournament?

AS: Definitely with the clinch. In a lot of ways, the rules regarding the clinch in Sweep the Leg are a lot more permissive than Thai rules. As somebody who has also been learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for two years, my opponent should be worried about take downs from the clinch.

JH: Finally, who is a fighter that you model your fighting spirit after?

AS: Changpuek Kiatsongrit. In his legendary fight against Rick Roufus, he got his jaw broken in the first round and still went on to win by TKO in the third round. I think every fighter should have that kind of unbreakable spirit.

JH: Well we are all definitely looking forward to seeing your unbreakable spirit in action on May 30th!

---

ABOUT THE EVENT:

The Sweep the Leg Challenge is the ultimate close quarters full contact Knock Down event where fighters compete using strikes, clinches & sweeps with NO HEAD CONTACT to encourage close quarters fighting!

Stop fighting for grainy cell-phone footage and get a Pro Fight Style Experience! Level up your fight resume with professional 4K footage and perks while putting on a show for US Veterans!

Each event we donate 125 tickets to US Veterans through VET TIX. With your registration you help fund and make these events possible so that we can continue to put on the best shows for true American heroes.

WHEN: May 30th

WHERE: ParkView Inn & Conference Center, Allentown, PA

TIME: 9:30am-1:30pm

Sign up today or come on out as a spectator by getting tickets HERE