From THE DARK KNIGHT to FRIDAY: Tommy Lister & Michael Lynch Speak about Cage Vs Cons

Exclusive interview by Marc Anthony

“I am really living a dream”-Tiny Lister

“It’s mixed martial arts and also to change the world to a better place”- Michael Lynch

Michael Lynch, the creator of Felony Fights, has evolved his mission and brought to the general public a very intriguing blend of professional mixed martial arts: Ex-convicts will be fighting against police officers, prison guards, Marines and other military and law enforcement personnel at the Los Angles Memorial Coliseum and Sports Arena on Saturday May 21st.

Hosting the event will be Tommy “Tiny” Lister. Lister came onto the big scene in 1989 as “Zeus” in the WWE movie “NO HOLDS BARRED.” He would dabble in pro wrestling and then return to film and would make a serious impression on the moviegoers as “Deebo” in the movie “FRIDAY.” Lister is one of the most wanted actors in Hollywood due to his distinct look and acting ability, which led to a role in THE DARK KNIGHT in 2008. He has worked on 11 projects in the last two years and continues to answer the call, making continual progress in the acting world.

Alongside of Lister will be Danny Trejo, star of the hit MACHETE and another very popular actor, as he hosts this important event.

RSR sat down with Lister and Michael Lynch, to get their thoughts on the “Cage Vs Cons” event that has been getting so much positive press of late.

MA: How was Cage vs. Con’s created?

(Michael) Well, I spent a large amount of my life incarcerated and upon release, I thought that there wasn’t too much hope in terms of what to do for a living. I had a transformation in life and now I want to be an example and use mixed martial arts as an example that it can be used to change people’s lives. These guys that we have fighting…we selected them all based not just on their fight record but what they have been through and what they are doing in the community today and to set a good example for the kids. Through mixed martial arts, they can change their lives by focusing on something positive.

MA: You have been involved in helping people for quite some time?

(Tommy) I have been doing it for about ten years. I talk to the kids about how I grew up in Compton, California, and how I made it out without getting shot or getting killed through the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

MA: What was it hard to get buy in from both sides to do this?

(Michael) It wasn’t that hard. Anything to help kids, law enforcement really backs that. Once the fighters and the police really understood what it’s about: It’s all the same guys that have struggled and made choices in life. Today we selected them based on what they have done in their communities and what their focus is. It’s mixed martial arts and also to change the world to a better place.

MA: Do you feel that MMA and Hip Hop bring in a perfect match?

(Michael) Absolutely, you have MMA that is blowing up and Hip Hop is so popular and still growing and the demographics are one in the same. Who doesn’t like both? I think that the Hip Hop artist, by bringing them in, also gives the edge: giving a cool thing for the kids and showing them that they can have a good time, come to places and be good. You don’t have to be on the streets killing each other.

MA: You played a Klingon in Star Trek, what was that like?

(Tommy) It was really cool man; I am living a dream man. To be on that TV show, it was really unbelievable man. I am really living a dream. And that’s what we are really trying to teach these kids. You can all step into your purpose and destiny that is what we teach these kids and that’s why I am thankful God aligned me with Michael Lynch.

MA: How did you guys meet up?

(Michael) We actually met through a mutual friend. We hit it off from the moment we talked to each other. We both have faith in God and we both want the same thing in life and it’s really to service; what can we do.

MA: Any other projects that you have in the works?

(Michael) I have done various other projects and did a series called “Felony fights.” I was in a moment in my life where I was able to step back and really see what the point is other than making money and I stopped doing all that and I am in with Cage vs. Cons. That’s really all I am focused on and all I am doing. Whatever God shows me to go from this is where I am going and that’s it.

MA: I Loved the video you guys did, taking over the LA Coliseum…

(Tommy) On May the 21st live at the LA Sports Arena we have kidnapped it against its will. That town belongs to us. Cage vs. Cons! Sleep with your lights on!!

MA: Can we play a really quick word association with you?

(Tommy) Okay let’s go…

MA: Martin Lawrence

One of the hottest guys in Hollywood that I worked with.

MA: Bruce Willis

Best at what he does.

MA: Jamie Foxx

Crazy, but extremely talented.

MA: Will Smith

He has a heart of gold.

MA: Christian Bale

Dark Knight Baby!