JJ Zayas: The Rematch, the Mission, and the Mindset

DALLAS— JJ Zayas is returning to the mats with unfinished business.

Representing Neanderthal Fight Company, Zayas will face Keshon McCoy in a rematch two years in the making at Main Character Jiu Jitsu: Side Quest #1. The ultra-heavyweight matchup is more about redemption than rivalry.

“Not trying to make any excuses, but the last time I drove down to Austin, hopped out the car and got in the match,” Zayas said. “I was really sloppy… kind of like dragging. I felt like I didn’t really warm up very well. This time I’m kind of glad, ’cause where we’re competing at is only 15 minutes away. So I’ll be able to get nice and warmed up and really put myself out there.”

Since their last encounter, Zayas has made serious gains in both technique and mental game.

“Competing a lot has helped, but I’ve really found here recently that something’s clicking a little better now,” he said. “I’ve been watching him ever since we competed, and he’s a great competitor.”

Zayas isn’t in it for attention.

“Honestly, I just like competing,” he said. “It’s a great way to put myself out there. I’m not really looking for fame or anything huge. I just like seeing how I match up against some of the best guys in the area.”

With limited competition in the ultra-heavyweight division, Zayas is grateful for the chance to revisit an opponent he’s been watching since their last bout. He’s hoping the fight delivers nonstop scrambles.

“There’s this misconception that ultra heavyweights just lay there and sit on you,” he said. “I noticed my opponent likes to move too, so I’m excited. I really hope it’s back-and-forth and exciting to watch.”

At Neanderthal Fight Company, training is old-school and intense.

“Our style — we bust our ass here,” Zayas said. “Usually no AC. It’s hot. It’s rounds nonstop, back to back. We chase each other. We’re sub-only. Nobody lets you slack off.”

Zayas started his jiu-jitsu journey at 355 pounds after the birth of his first daughter. He said he couldn’t go upstairs without running out of breath.

“I was like, ‘Man, I need to do something with my life,’” he said.

After seeing a kids’ jiu-jitsu class his brother-in-law was attending, Zayas was instantly hooked. He’s now lost nearly 100 pounds and trains seven days a week.

“The goal is to get down to 215,” he said. “Even though I’m not small, I’m still one of the smallest in the division. If I go a little lower, I might size up better with some of these guys.”

Zayas works full time at a psychiatric unit as a behavioral tech and also spends his days at the gym. He’s a father of three, and all of his kids train too.

“My youngest daughter was in a car seat at the gym when I was training,” he said. “She took her first step there. My oldest trains three days a week and does MMA two days a week.”

Jiu-jitsu hasn’t just changed his health — it’s helped him grow emotionally.

“I used to get ticked off real fast,” he said. “But jiu-jitsu helped me with patience, mentally working through problems, and controlling what I’m feeling. There’s days where I’m like, ‘Man, this sucks.’ And then there’s days where I’m like, ‘That was a great training session.’”

Zayas credited promoter Kemoy Anderson for helping make the rematch happen.

“He responds quickly, gave me a match quick, was clear-cut and helpful with questions,” Zayas said. “He’s definitely one of the best promoters I’ve worked with.”

Zayas will compete Sept. 6 at Main Character Jiu Jitsu in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Fans can buy tickets online, and he hopes to see a packed crowd.

“You should watch because I’m there to put on a show,” Zayas said. “Win, lose or draw, I’m going to bring it — and so is Keshon. If you’re in the DFW area, come support so we can keep bringing back these promotions and support the local competitors.”