Ask The Bearded Guy: Dan ‘The Snowman’ Vinni

When did you start in the sport of mixed martial arts? 

I started competing in MMA when I was 15, I didn’t have any training or coaching and lied about my experience/training/age just to get a fight….it didn’t end well for me haha

Where did your interest come from to compete in a combat sport?

I was always interested in pro wrestling and martial arts and with mma I felt it was a natural progression being that it’s similar but a legit contest. 

Growing up, were you a fan of martial arts movies? Do you have any icons?

Like anyone that got into martial arts who were born before the 90s Bruce Lee “enter the dragon” was the shit! When UFC 1 came along it was like a legit “to the death” martial arts tournament from the movies! 

There are nine different weight classes in the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, where do you come in?

I’ve competed in the top 4 weight divisions being welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight so from 77kg all the way up to 120kg. These days I stay in the middle depending on opportunities.

Back in October 2018 in front of a packed out O2 London arena, you captured the MTK MMA Middleweight Title by submitting Patrick Vallee!! How did that feel man?

I was in a bad place at the time but I was super grateful to MTK for giving me the opportunity to fight for such a prestigious title and to beat a veteran like Patrick just topped it for me and has since spurred a resurgence in my Career. I just feel bad his arm broke the way it did.

As well as fighting, you also coach mixed martial arts, does this help you into fight mode and develop further skills?

I think to be a successful coach you need an almost opposite set of skills needed to be a successful athlete, but I have a real love for coaching and definitely intend to do it for the rest of my life. I’ve been blessed to be able to work with day 1 beginners all the way up to world champions and when all is said and done id love to have my own world renowned team.

How was your coaching experience with actor Tom Hardy? How did you guys meet?

We met at a gym I was coaching at called Richmond fitness club.
Training Tom was great, he has a good aptitude for martial arts and works hard, expect an MMA debut soon?

Would you be able to share more information about your venture, Skynet MMA in UK, UAE and Vietnam?

At this point it’s just an affiliation with some of my training partners and students. We have one of the best BJJ coaches in Saigon in pierre desdevises, a few guys based in London and I’m currently based in Abu Dhabi in the UAE. One day i hope to have gyms based everywhere.

You have competed in Bellator, Pro FC and MTK- do you feel that there is a difference?

At the higher levels most shows are pretty much run the same way. There is definitely a difference with the way you can be treated between promotions, with some treating you like crap while others (like the guys who were running the MTK London shows) can treat you great which can really change things for a professional fighter. 

Before competing how do you control your diet? Do you have any sugar rushes like chocolate or sweets as if I’m not mistaken this is not allowed?!

It normally depends on the weight class I’m gonna compete in but the days of 20kg+ weight cuts for me are over and I’ve decided to pretty much stay in the heavier divisions so I can pretty much eat what I want. 

We see that you had a full beard and also worked on your moustache, which look do you prefer the most?

I try and mix it up and with the bear grooming products whatever I have normally works out well.

What do you think of the Bear Grooming brand and what is your favourite product?

I think it’s a great brand! Thankfully I’ve been a fan from the beginning and I really see all the big things beargrooming have been doing and I know the sky is the limit! I really think the supplements are great and could see a big difference after using them. 

What are your thoughts on our latest product, Bear Grooming Face Cream?

I think the cream is great being that my face literally gets beat up haha I really feel it helps keep my skin smooth and strong. 

What’s the future plans for you within the MMA?

My future plans are to keep winning titles and make a run for the big shows. I’ve been told I’ll be fighting for a title on UAE warriors this year so look out for the announcement soon.