Zak Jensen Interview: Life After the Ultimate Fighter

Zak Jensen was one of the 16 heavyweight fighters to participate in the tenth season of The Ultimate Fighter. Jensen was a member of team Rampage and in episode six lost to Darrill Schoonover from team Rashad by first round submission (triangle choke).

Jensen was the quiet one in the house, which usually results in being the butt of many jokes and pranks, including being locked in a small bathroom by James McSweeney.

Jensen has a fight this month for the North Dakota based promotion SNMMA and is currently looking for sponsors. We asked Jensen about his time on the show, what happened after the show, his upcoming fight and the difficulties of finding sponsors.

It’s been a little over a year since TUF 10 aired. Can you recap your experience on the show?

It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, I never thought I would get an opportunity like this and I was lucky enough to be one of the 16 fighter for season 10.  It was interesting in the house and it was not a situation my personality was fit for.  I am a quiet person who likes to keep to myself.  It opened up my eyes a lot and I am glad I was a part of it.  I still stay in contact with a few of the guys.  I wish it had gone better for me but I have no regrets.  

Would you do the show again?

Yes I would but I would be more mentally prepared and know what to expect.  

What is the status of that lawsuit that surfaced following the taping of the show, regarding a wrongful death lawsuit against you?

I cannot comment on this due to the fact it is still pending

How much has the pending lawsuit affected your 2-3 post TUF 10 record?

It is a very stressful situation knowing you did nothing wrong and having no control of what is currently going on.  MMA is a very mental sport and I would be lying if I said going through such a stressful situation didn’t affect me.  It does, but that’s no excuse for going 2-3. The 3 guys who have beaten me were better than me on fight night and I just have to learn from those losses and focus on training.

Do you feel that being on the show has placed a target on your back?

Yes I do, it’s like everyone is trying to use me as a stepping stone.  I know what my opponents are thinking because I have fought Brad Imes and Mike Whitehead, they were on season 2 of TUF and I was trying to use them to make a name for myself in those cases I came up short.  It is the name of the game someone will always be gunning for you.  I just have to do everything I can to get back into a big named organization.  

You are fighting November 27^th for the SNMMA Heavyweight title. Who are you fighting?

Jason Ackerman (2-0)

What do you know of your opponent?

He was a 3 time All American wrestler at Dickinson State.  

How would you describe your fighting style?

A wrestler who feels comfortable with both his standing and striking game.  

Has being on the show made it easier to get sponsors?

Yes it has but it is still an ongoing process, finding sponsors are still a challenge.

How is your sponsorship looking for the upcoming fight?

It is coming along I am in contact with a few sponsors and have a few set. 

How do companies get a hold of you regarding sponsoring you?

Through my Facebook page or they can email me here.contact me via facebook or my email address

Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

I would like to thank my coaches at the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy, my conditioning coach Matt Olson from API. Also my sponsors for this fight, Joe Rizzo and Hector Castro from MMAdiehards.com and also Donovan Craig from FIGHT! Magazine.  Also like to thank Joshua Wood (MMAValor) for giving me a chance to talk about my upcoming fight.

Tags: Darrill Schoonover, Interview, MMA, SNMMA, TUF 10, UFC, Ultimate Fighter, Zak Jensen

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