Planet Tatami: What do you think about Semmy Schilt's comeback to MMA?
Le Banner: That's great for him, he is very talented both in kick boxing and MMA. I wish him the best success...in MMA only (laughs)!
Planet Tatami: Some time ago you were rumored to be one of the coaches in IFL with your own team. Is there any possibility of this?
Le Banner: I don't know. The IFL kinda cut off the bridges without any reason. We have no more news. I would love to coach the french team, I was supposed to, now its up to IFL.
Planet Tatami: The MMA is prohibited in France. How does this effect the growth of new talent coming out of France in K-1 and MMA?
Le Banner: It's really difficult to become a real pro fighter here in France. We have weird laws. The CSA doesn't even allow the French channel to air Muay Thai with knees and elbows or even K-1. Thats crazy! Hopefully it
will change soon. I think that the French mentality just dislikes the
fights and fighters.
Planet Tatami: Thank you for your time Jerome. Do you have any messages for your sponsors or fans?
Le Banner: I would like to thanks all the fans! So many fighters do not understand that you indirectly feed them! I know that, thats why I will die for my Japanese fans. They are very respectful and also they don't throw you in the garbage if you lose, they respect the fighting spirit more than anything.
I would also like to thanks my sponsors: Bad Boy, Fairtex, Bigpoint.com, Affliction and Serious Pimp. I have US sponsors, US fans, now I need US fights! I want to fight in the Las Vegas K-1 show this year.
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