You've Unlocked
MMA Fighters Interviews!
MMA fighters Jake Shields, Aaron Simpson, and Georgi Karakhanyan aren't just tough guys with a soft spot for animals abused in laboratories. They are all vegetarians on a mission to prove that you don't need meat to survive—inside or outside the ring.
Jake Shields
Aaron Simpson and Georgi Karakhanyan
What prompted you to become vegetarian?
Aaron Simpson: My wife has been a vegetarian going on 10 years. Everything she taught me about being a vegetarian made sense to me. I considered myself an animal lover (like most people), yet by eating meat I was contributing to the deaths of so many animals. So, with the birth of our twin babies, 3 years ago, I was on my way towards becoming a vegetarian. We always talked about raising our kids vegetarian and teaching them compassion and empathy for all living things. I could no longer be a hypocrite and stand by and eat animals. So, almost two years ago, I stopped eating meat. All along I justified it by saying that as a high level athlete I needed to eat meat to stay strong and fit. Little did I know, this was the furthest thing from the truth. It actually really made sense with me when I read Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer, as it was backed by facts as to why it is wrong and unhealthy to eat animals.
Georgi Karakhanyan: The reason why I became a vegetarian is because I do not like animals being hurt. I also believe that being a vegetarian is a healthy way to live.
What are some of your favorite vegetarian foods?
Aaron Simpson: I am a huge fan of the Gardein products that are out there. We have a couple local vegan restaurants in the Phoenix area that we love. Green in Scottsdale makes a "No Harm Chicken Parm" that I love, and Pomegranate Cafe in Ahwatukee has some amazing recipes that we love. My taste buds have seemed to ripen since I stopped eating meat, and I really enjoy trying all sorts of new foods.
Georgi Karakhanyan: One of my favorite foods is veggie burgers.
Of all of the major animal rights issues, are there any that are particularly close to your heart?
Aaron Simpson: I have to say that all of the animal rights issues that are out there really sicken me. I can't say that just one is more important than another. I am pretty much pissed off whenever I see any animal being abused. I am angered that we as a country are still okay with circuses. I am angered when I hear about people still wearing furs and not caring where they came from. I am afraid for our country when we know what is being produced at the factory farms and it seems as though everyone is oblivious. I am becoming more and more educated on animal rights every day and am holding onto some hope that people will make a difference and continue to push for the rights of all animals.
Georgi Karakhanyan: I think that all of these issues are important, but the one that I am most passionate about is the fur industry. I am very against animals being treated as objects. They should be treated with respect and people should realize they are not on this planet for our amusement.
If a fan were to approach you with questions about how to get involved with animal rights, what advice would you give him or her?
Aaron Simpson: If a fan came to me and asked how they can get involved, I would have to point them to the Internet. There are so many groups and organizations that are out there making a difference—from local animal shelters to national organizations like PETA. I would urge them to contact these organizations within their community when they feel they are ready to help make a difference.
Georgi Karakhanyan: I would tell them to start as soon as possible at home by being a vegetarian. It's something that can be done right away, and it gets the people around them involved because they will begin to ask about why he/she is becoming a vegetarian and that will lead to more people being aware of animal rights.
What do you say to fellow fighters who say, "You can't fight if you're a vegetarian!"
Georgi Karakhanyan: I would tell them, "I don't need to eat meat to kick their ass!"