MMA Fighter Duane Bastress Interview

What was the recruiting process like when you were in high school for your wrestling abilities?

To be honest, I wasn’t really heavily recruited. I had a few colleges looking at me, such as Bloomsburg University, York College, The Citadel, and Franklin & Marshall. I didn't get any scholarship money when I first went Bloomsburg until after first semester when they decided to give me $500 a semester.

You ended up going to York College and winning two D-3 national championships. Do you think you can compete with a lot of wrestlers in D-1 programs?

There is no doubt in my mind that I could compete at the Division 1 Level. During my time at York, I beat guys from, Penn St., Lehigh, Clarion, Duke( 2x ACC Champ), Maryland, Lock Haven, & Delaware State to name a few. After I won nationals my senior year, I was ranked #3 out of all 184 pounders in all divisions ( I, II, III).

Can you describe the transition from wrestling to competing in mixed martial arts?

I was never into fighting and I'm still not into fighting. That’s street fighting. The hardest thing for me to learn was the striking game. I watched videos and went to practice, but after my first pro fight I went to my dad (Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do) to teach me. However, I fell in love with the grappling part. I continue to work tremendously hard at every aspect of the fight game.

With your wrestling pedigree and your current record; have you gotten any attention from major MMA promotions like UFC, Strikeforce, Bellator, etc?

To this point, I haven't heard anything from the major promotions. The goal however is to make it into a major promotion before the end of the year or early next year. I seriously am taking one day, one training session, one lift, and one fight a time. I will let the other stuff figure it out. I just try to control what I can and worry about that.

What does your training schedule look like when you are currently training for a fight?

I work from 7am - 2:30pm. I lift from 3:30-4:15pm. Coach wrestling practice at York College from 4:15-5:45/6pm. Then I usually have stand up from 7:30-8:15/:30pm. If I am scheduled to, I will have a run/cardio workout later that night. A typical week might look like this.

Mon: Lift, Wrestle, Stand up
Tues: Cardio, Stand up
Wed: Lift, Wrestle & Ground (MMA)
Thurs: Cardio, Stand up
Fri: Lift, Wrestle, Stand up
Sat: Rest
Sun: Cardio, Ground (MMA)

I also listen to my body and how it is feeling. If it starts to get run down then maybe take a training session off here and there. I also start to back off with the hard training the closer I get to a fight. The week prior to a fight, the workouts intensity backs off. All of my training sessions are short and intense. Once we get started, it's none stop for around an hour.

Would you like to thank anyone (family, friends, coaches, sponsors, etc)

I definitely have a lot of people I would like to thank. First off would have to be my parents & sister. They have been there from day one of my wrestling career and now my fighting career. The next person is my fiancé. All four of them keep me humble and motivated to be the best individual & fighter that I can possibly be. I definitely have to give a BIG thank you to Chad Strawbridge & my dad! They are my coaches and push me to new highs and teach me something new every time we have a training session! Also, to my close personal friends who have always been there for me. Lastly I would like to thank the rest of my supporters who are at all my fights. They are by far the loudest group at the fights & that’s what makes it exciting for me. Thank you to everyone & I appreciate everything anyone has ever done for me!

MMA Fighter Tom Gallicchio Interview

Tom Gallicchio is currently participating in the M-1 Global tournament and has made it to the finals. He competes with Rhino Fight Team.

How and when did you get into mixed martial arts?

I got involved in mma about 5 years ago. I was done with wrestling in high school and couldn’t afford college to wrestle. I talked to my wrestling coach at elite wrestling and saw Frankie Edgar had a fight. I said where is he training, I want in. They pointed me to team rhino and 6 months later, I had my first fight against Marc Stevens.

How often do you train and how long does each training session last?

I train about 2 to 3 times a day for about 4 hours total.

What is your favorite part of being a mixed martial arts fighter?

I just love to fight and just fighting in general.

What is your ultimate goal you want to achieve as a mixed martial artist?

To be able to do what I love and make living from it.

There have been rumors all over the MMA world that M-1 Global has a financial issue. Can you describe what it is like to compete in a major promotion like M-1 Global.

It feels great to be in this M-1 tournament and get the recognition I deserve. It’s not over yet, there are still to fights to go!

Is there anyone you would like to thank (coaches, family, sponsors)?

I would like to thank Clinch gear and all my training partners and coaches.

MMA Fighter Lucas Taber Interview

Lucas Taber is a MMA fighter who has fought for promotions like the King of the Cage and Gladiator Challenge.


How and when did you get into mixed martial arts?

My first exposure to MMA was really an accident. At the time, around 1999 I was a Marine in Okinawa, Japan; and I had no idea what Mixed Martial Arts or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was. I had heard the term "UFC" before, but in my mind I associated it more with pro wrestling and worked fights than I did combat sports. I had a friend who would tell me stories of another friend who trained in jiu jitsu. I decided to see for myself what all the fuss about this guy was. Needless to say, I got a quick, first hand lesson in the "gentle art" by a much smaller man who had half the physical strength I did. The first time he submitted me, I was like a young child being exposed to magic for the first time. I didn't understand it, but I was completely amazed and awed by it. After our session, he took time to explain to me about the UFC and its history. A few weeks later I came across VHS copies of UFC 2 & UFC 4... I was hooked. I became an instant fan and began collecting videos from all over the world, reading and watching whatever I could about Jiu Jitsu, MMA, and submission grappling, and their histories. As soon as I returned home to California, I immediately found a phone book and began my Jiu Jitsu training. Like so many other people, the more I began to grow and learn in Jiu Jitsu, the more passionate about it I became. There were a few years that I had to take away from the mats due to severe injuries unrelated to Jiu Jitsu training, but when I was able to roll again and looking for a new place to train, a mutual friend introduced me to Thomas Denny. After only a few days, Thomas asked if I was interested in fighting MMA. I considered myself a super fan of MMA and a pseudo-analyst of the sport, but I had always thought about fighting as a "someday I might" sort of thing. I went to work right away, training and learning the skills that would make me a mixed martial artist, not just a grappler. "Someday" had come much sooner than I had ever expected.

Currently you are working on achieving your black belt in BJJ. What would it mean to you when you finally earn that prestigious black belt?

Everyday, in some way, I'm working towards getting my black belt in JiuJitsu. That is one of my ultimate goals in life. I couldn't tell you how I'll feel when that day comes, because it'll be the culmination of so much for me. "Success is the journey not the destination," and it is everything and everyone I've met or learned on this journey that would make it so special. More important to me than "receiving" a black belt is "earning" it. I don't want to be handed a black belt for my time in an academy, like so many people are today. More important to me than receiving that belt is putting my name in the history of Jiu Jitsu beside some of the greatest competitors and instructors in the world; men, who I have followed, studied, admired, and looked up to throughout my journey. When that belt is finally wrapped around my waist, I want to know that I have the respect of my peers and the Jiu Jitsu community, both through my on the mat abilities and as an instructor. That is what's really important to me.

Besides mixed martial arts, what other hobbies do you like to do on your free time?

When I'm not training, watching, or daydreaming about MMA or Jiu Jitsu, I'm probably near water or daydreaming about being near water. I love the ocean, swimming, surfing, boating, floating, beaches, islands, lakes, rivers, pools... you name it. I don't watch too much TV, but I love movies. My DVD collection is enormous; I spend too much money buying movies, renting movies, and at the theaters. I've always loved movies. I'm into most sports. So many MMA fighters and fans I know don't like or follow too many other sports outside of combat sports, but I do. I like all sports, but I'm a big fan of NCAA football and MLB baseball.

When is your next scheduled bout and how are you preparing for it?

I don't have any fights currently planned or set in stone. My goal for this year was to get back to improving fundamentals and basics in training, and stay as active as I can, both in the gym and competition. I wanted to fight as often as I could, just to stay continuous. Earlier this year I broke my arm while sparring. The training accident resulted in my arm being completely casted for almost 6 months. It was a disappointing setback, but I plan to get right back to the gym, and hopefully I will be fighting again soon.

What it’s like to train with a MMA veteran like Thomas Denny?

My first experience with Thomas Denny was the exact opposite of what I expected it to be. Before I ever met Thomas, I had seen him fight live and had heard all about his "Wildman" reputation. That wasn't the image that I wanted to represent this sport and I had an image in my head of Thomas Denny as a wild, flamboyant, thuggish brawler. He was a true life example of, "never judge a book by its cover." Not at all what I thought of the "Wildman," he was clean cut, well spoken, and very respectful. I hadn't even met him yet, and he was giving clear, concise, accurate instructions as I was sparring lightly in the ring. I watched as he did the same with some of his own fighters. It was immediately clear to me that Thomas had an underrated vision for the technical aspect of this sport. I hear many MMA writers, analysts and so called pundits of this sport write Thomas Denny off, or refuse to take him seriously because of the "Wildman" image, his up and down professional record, or maybe because of some lackluster performances... Don't let any of that fool you. As a coach and a mentor, he is absolutely phenomenal. I trained with Thomas for nearly 5 years and I was always amazed when we would travel to MMA events together, and world champions and coaches from the UFC and Pride would come and ask him for advice, tips, game plans, and strategies. I've been fortunate enough to travel quite a bit and train all over the world at some of the most prestigious and best regarded gyms in this business, and still haven't seen too many that can put the details into training and preparation like Thomas can. Thomas truly is a veteran of the sport and he brings that intricate knowledge of not only the tactical side of fighting, but the physical and mental preparation as well like few else I've seen. He gave me a lot of tools and help inside and outside of the sport, and he never asked for anything in return. I'm very thankful to have started my MMA career with him, because it's given me a lot of insight I don't think I could've gained anywhere else.

Is there anyone you would like to thank (coaches, family, sponsors)?

There are so many people who have supported me, befriended me, and helped me along this journey... it's amazing. My best friend, Rachael for always supporting and motivating me. So many of my coaches and instructors who have inspired me and given me the greatest gift of knowledge; Thomas Denny, Jean Jacques Machado, Wander Braga, Bob Chaney, and many others. I'd like to thank the great fans of this sport, who keep it alive and continue to make it grow beyond everyone's expectations every day! THANKS!

MMA Fighter Shane Garrett

Shane Garrett is a veteran mixed martial arts fighter who fought before mixed martial arts became popular.

How and when did you get into mixed martial arts?

After UFC 3 came to Tulsa, my brother in-law came home from the event talking about a skinny Brazilian named Royce(he pronounced the R) Gracie tying people in knot's. So, I checked it out at Blockbuster and was hooked!!!! Then I started watching Pancrase and any type of NHB (that's what us old-timers called it) I could find.

There is this new wave of mixed martial arts fighters all over the country that have only started martial arts because of the UFC. You, on the other hand, have fought a few years before the UFC became popular. What was the reason you decided to step into the ring/cage and fight?

I had always been bullied throughout my life up until age 17. That was another thing my brother in law helped me overcome. Then after watching the UFC's, it just progressed into something I wanted to do. It also helps pick up chicks.

According to Sherdog.com and mixedmartialarts.com, you took almost a 6 year hiatus between fights. Are there any particular reasons behind it?

Life happens is all I can say. But I can thank my wife for motivating me to get back in the cage one last time.

You haven’t fought in a year. Do you have fights scheduled in the future?

I actually officially retired a couple of months ago. I am teaching now at Extreme Combat and Fitness in Tulsa and look forward to helping others achieve their goals in MMA.

Besides mixed martial arts, what other hobbies do you like to do on your free time?

I am a full-time father and when that's not taking up my time I like to play Call of Duty MW2!!!

You have fought for a pretty big MMA promotion, HOOKnSHOOT. What was it like fighting for them back in the early 2000’s?

It was a great time!!!! I met a lot of great guys and a lot of guys that would go on to fight in the UFC. HooknShoot is pretty much the only reason I am known anywhere. Anyone who was ever there cannot forget the Lucky Lady or Jeff Osbourne staring at my wangbone in my silver pants. No homo on my part.

Is there anyone you would like to thank (coaches, family, sponsors)?

Bob Voss for being my first sponsor and helping me out when nobody else did. My brother-in-law Paul Day for helping me get my gear in the early days. I would also like to thank Cyco Submissions and Submission Soldiers. Jeff and Miguel with HooknShoot for making me a demi-legend. Aaron Riley for kicking my ass for 20 minutes and producing the highlight fight of my career. Mikey Burnett, and all the original Tulsa Lion's Den's guys. Troy Waugh for being my most reliable training partner ever. Beau "One Man Army" Taylor for helping me move onto bigger things after fighting. And every friend I have ever made in this sport.

MMA Fighter Anthony "The Recipe" Lapsley

Anthony Lapsley is a mixed martial arts veteran who has fought for promotions like King of the Cage, Bellator, UWC, and others. He was also part of the the famous double knockout in a fight.


How and when did you get into mixed martial arts?

I started about 4 years ago. I met Cobra Rhodes (16X world champion Arm wrestler) at a bar. He’s good friends with Gary Goodrich and was following the sport all the time. After exchanging info and past achievements, we decided it was something I wanted to get into.

You have fought the likes of Mike Guymon and Drew Fickett. To this date, who has been your toughest opponent?

The hardest opponent I fought was Tyler Stinson. He was a tough as shit!!!

Before you started training and competing in mixed martial arts, did you have any martial arts experience?

Nope. I was just a high school state champion wrestler. Nothing before or after that except fighting

More than 2/3rd of your victories have come from submissions, do you prefer to take your opponents to the ground right away or do you like to stand and bang?

I don’t know, I can stand and bang, but I usually just end up taking it to the ground and pounding the guy or submitting these cats. I play it how it goes but I would rather hit the ground. I’m trying to stay pretty!!

You are part of the infamous mma double knockout fight. What was going on in your mind after both you guys go down?

All I thought was, “PLEASE don’t come hit me”. I didn’t know how I got down there, but knew to start kicking to prevent him from doing anymore damage.

You got redemption at Aaron Wetherspoon a few months later. This time you were able to defeat him by submission. What was it like to actually defeat him without any controversies?

I was relieved. I was also excited and pretty happy because I was champion.

Besides mixed martial arts, what other hobbies do you like to do on your free time?

I like playing PS3, chilling with my family and children.

Is there anyone you would like to thank (coaches, family, sponsors)?

I would to thank God, because none of this would be possible. My haters, they are very important to my success. I also thank my children, my parents, My Dip Dip for sticking with me through all of this. Alan Buckley, Finis Tatum, Nick Craig, Mark Lemrick, BJ Hedger, Chas Bowling, Bubba McDaniel, Six Figures, LimeLite Fusion drink, Sponsored Fan Family and all the rest of my friends, fans, and family.

Top 5 Mixed Martial Arts Networking Sites

Mixed Martial Arts is one the toughest sports to prosper in. You will need the help of family, friends and colleagues to make it big. As a fighter, you will need to contact promoters and sponsors and the easiest way to do this is to network with other fighters, promoters, and sponsors. These five websites are the best tool for prospect mma fighters to make contact with promoters and sponsors.


1. MMA MALEE






- The "Facebook" of MMA networking websites
- Over 1,000 registered fighters, fans, promoters, etc.
- Easy to navigate
- Instant Chat with all your friends
- Promoters Section
- MMA Events Section
- Fighter Updates


2. MMA Free Agent





- Easy communication between fighters and fans
- Free Giveaways and prizes
- Fighter Blogs
- Gym Locations
- Over 400 Registered MMA Fighters


3. Cagecraze





- Very Active
- MMA groups
- MMA Advice


4. Hookit - MMA







- Helps mma fighters get sponsorships
- Similar To "MYSPACE"
- Connects fighters with other fighters


5. MMA Social









- Top MMA Fighters Profiles
- Important MMA news from other websites
- Events Directory

MMA Fighter Jimy Hettes Interview

Jimy Hettes is only twenty three years old, but has already made a splash in the mixed martial arts world. He is currently an undefeated fighter with all his wins coming in the first round. We were able to get an interview with him.


How and when did you get into mixed martial arts?

Well, I was wrestling when i was young and I started boxing at fourteen years old. At the age of sixteen, I started doing jiu-jitsu and really became obsessed. After doing a few tournaments, when I was eighteen years old, I decided to give mixed martial arts a shot. I really liked how real the fighting was, and it was as close to a real confrontation as you can legally get.

What was it like fighting Binky Jones, a veteran of mixed martial arts, and being able to submit him in just less than 30 seconds?

It was a great feeling to say the least. I grew up watching his fights. So, it was a great opportunity for me to fight him in such a nice event as Shogun. Having that opportunity, I knew I couldn’t waste it or let my emotions get in the way of what I really had to do.

All your wins have come by the way of submission. It’s safe to say that you are mostly comfortable on the ground. What was your favorite submission you were able to lock in during your fights?

Yea, submissions have always come pretty natural to me, but I have really been working on my judo and boxing relentlessly with real good results. Don't get me wrong, I really appreciative all my submissions but my favorite one thus far has been the Achilles lock against a good opponent in Jay Haas. I like to use leg locks a lot in practice. It was good to have the opportunity to throw one when it counted.

Besides mixed martial arts, what other hobbies do you like to do on your free time?

MMA takes up a lot of my time. In my free time, I like doing relaxing activities such as walking my dog (Nahla), playing video games, and doing anything outdoors. They are all great ways to let my body heal up and stay busy at the same time.

What is your ultimate goal you want to achieve as a mixed martial artist?

I really don’t have a goal when it comes to MMA. It’s not something Ii do for any purpose. The martial arts are something I simply can't see myself living without. I can see myself being seventy years old and still doing judo or bjj. So MMA is just a reflection on how I live my life.

None of your fights have gone past the first round. Do you always try to finish your opponent as quick as possible?

The way I was taught jiu jitsu is to always go for the finish. When I get in the fight, there is no hesitation when I see an opportunity; I go for it. I have simply been fortunate to have those opportunities.

Is there anyone you would like to thank (coaches, family, sponsors)?

Without my coaches it wouldn't be possible. Thanks to all the guys at Swoyersville Submission Wrestling, Gracie NEPA, and Worldclass Boxing. Thanks to all my sponsors who help me eat every day, mma melee, Free Hurt, Tattoo Fightwear, Submission Effects, Bamf Mouthguards, Assassins Industry, Policy Collection, and dr. James Jiunta.

MMA Fighter Bubba McDaniel Interview

Bubba McDaniels has fought all over the country against tough opponents against the likes of Gerald Harris and others. Bubba McDaniels opens up during this interview about his perspective of mixed martial arts and how MMA is more than just fighting.


How and when did you get into mixed martial arts?

I got into MMA in Sept. of 04’; I started training at the local youth opportunities center on the east side of town in Wichita Falls, Texas. I showed up and started getting my butt thoroughly kicked daily because they were a hardened group of guys who DID NOT welcome outsiders. Once I proved to them that I was not just some guy that wanted to run around in a fight shirt and claim to be a fighter they started to actually train me. I was 21 years old at the time and had fought a couple of toughman contests because I thought I was a tough guy by doing that, but I was DEAD wrong!

Have you competed in any other forms of martial arts competitions besides mixed martial arts fights?

I have competed in 2 grappling tournaments. The first one I competed in, I went 0-2. In the second grappling tournament, I went 2-0. Besides the two grappling tournaments, I only competed in toughman contests. MMA has been about the actual fight for me. I want to learn everything in a way to be able to string it together with the rest of my fight game.

Besides mixed martial arts, what other hobbies do you like to do on your free time?

FREE TIME? WHAT FREE TIME? Ask anyone who trains with me now or anyone who has ever trained with me. I eat, sleep and breathe MMA; its my life. I would guess I would say I like to go watch movies or listen to music that I can sing along to. I suck at singing, but I still love to do it. Sometimes I get a call to play softball or go play golf. I enjoy both of those things in my free time, but it is very few and far between.

When is your next scheduled bout and how are you preparing for it?

I just fought twice recently within 3 weeks of each other, so now I am looking for the right fight, for the right money, in the right organization. I feel like I have paid my dues and have proven that I’m no push over for anyone. I want someone to put into me what I put into this sport. As for my training, I never stop training and staying in shape, I never know when that one call will come in which will put me on the map.

You have fought many great fighters like Gerald Harris, Kala Hose, Alexander Shlemenko, and others. Who has been the toughest opponent you have faced so far in your career?

What makes one fight tougher than another? I have had many fights that have presented new problems to face that have given me a fit in the cage, but have forged me into the fighter I am currently. My first amateur MMA fight showed me a new level of fear that just to be in a cage against another man (Joey Spencer). My second amateur MMA fight showed me what REAL fatigue was in a fight and the courage to keep pushing for a win. Also, the ability to fight off a choke that almost ended the fight before it started (Toby Duarte). My second pro fight showed me humility. When you realize that you are not ready for the big leagues and you got more stuff to work on. My fight against Gerald Harris showed me that even when you think that you’re doing well and you think you will be fine, you need to be most cautious because it IS a fight and it can shift on a dime. Alexander Shlemenko showed me that even when someone is hurt; it doesn’t mean that they have lost their drive to fight hard at all costs to win. I needed to finish when the opportunity arose instead of thinking that it will present itself again. There are a lot more lessons I have learned the hard way but that would have taken days to write.

Is there anyone you would like to thank (coaches, family, sponsors)?

Anyone in my life that has helped me train or helped me stay in this sport and supported me knows who they are. They know they are precious to me and that’s all that matters. Well, I have had one guy put an actual money investment into me. He knows who he is too and knows he has done more than any one man should. He gave me a roof over my head, be able to train and the way how I want to train.

If any other "sponsors" want to put some REAL time and money into me, I’ll prove to you that I’m PLENTY worth the investment.

MMA Fighter Joe Garcia Interview

Joe Garcia is a young and upcoming mixed martial arts fighter trying to make a name for himself. He definitely has what it takes to make it big in the mma world. We were able to sit down with Joe and conduct a 1 on 1 interview.


How and when did you get into mixed martial arts?

About three years ago my buddy and I, Chris Kleman, (who now is the 185 champ in our league) we’re talking about the growing popularity of the UFC and how we wanted to give it a shot. He had been a standout wrestler his whole life and I was a boxer, so we figured we had a pretty legitimate chance. So, I began training Brazilian Jiu jitsu at one of Saulo Ribeiros academies. At age of 17, I hooked up with Pro fighter, Rick Fitch, who set up my first fight.

What gym do you train out of?

I train out of Elite Sports academy in Tiffin, OH. We have some of the best athletes around and our training regimen is enough to break someone both physically and mentally. We put ourselves through the ringer on a daily basis and we have about ten Title belts at our academy to show for it.

What is your ultimate goal you want to achieve as a mixed martial artist?

I want to be the best, period. I want to one day be known as one of the best pound for pound fighters of all time. More importantly I want to make enough money so that my mom can quit her job. I would like to be able to take care of my mother, as well as the rest of my family. My family and I have never had it easy growing up, ever. One day, not only do I want to give my mother a great life, but to also repay her for all the stress I have put on her as a teen. I believe there are people, who are great at fighting, and there are great fighters, and I want to be a great fighter. I want to use my skills in the cage to put myself in a position to do good things as a human being.

What is the hardest part of the mma lifestyle that people do not know about?

The MMA lifestyle, as a whole, is something you have to be physically and mentally ready for and it requires a lot of adaptation. It means no wild parties, no drugs or alcohol; You really don’t have time for a big social life if you train all day, every day. Not to mention the bloody noses, black eyes, hyper extensions, twisted ankles and boxing fractures. I put myself through physical and mental torture long before I dance under those lights, and I don’t think just anyone could walk a mile in those shoes. Everyone wants to be the next Anderson Silva or Georges St. Pierre. They want to wear the Tapout shirts and boast and get the girls, but 99% of them don’t have what it takes to put in the time. I wish they would show more on television about what we put ourselves through in order to get ready for a fight. It’s not easy.

You have traveled all over the Midwest area. Where do you like to travel the most or is it strictly business with you?

I think my favorite place to fight is in Tiffin. We always get a ton of people that show up, plus I’m surrounded by fans and people that I know. The crowd gets so loud and I love to put on a show for them.

Do you have any upcoming fights scheduled and what are you doing to prepare for them?

Yes, my next fight is August 14th, which is two weeks from this Saturday. I’m competing for Havoc Extreme Cagefighting and it will be against Brandon "diesel" Adams. I have been training 5+ hours per day and working on every aspect of the game as well. I spar, train BJJ, and train wrestling every day. I also do power lifting and circuits. Brandon Adams likes to come out with guns blazing, so I have been telling my sparring partners to come right at me during training and to be ready for his explosiveness.

Is there anyone you would like to thank (coaches, family, sponsors)?

I would like to thank God, because without him, none of this would be possible and he has given me so many blessings in my life. I would also like to thank my mother for being the greatest mother ever, as well as my sister for being so supportive, and my trainer Rick Fitch. And last, but not least, all my family, fans, and training partners. No Color Line Clothing cannot be forgotten as it has supported me from the very beginning.

UFC Fighter Charlie Brenneman Interview

Charlie Brenneman is making his UFC Debut on March 31, 2010 on the UFC Fight Night: Florian vs Gomi.

Not many people know that you won Season 1 of Pros vs Joes on MTV2. Can you describe your experience on that show playing against other athletes?

P v J was an awesome experience. The pros were very cool to us, and the competitions were super intense. There was no acting going on; it was very real.

What was going through head the moment the UFC called and told you that they wanted to sign you to a multi-deal contract?

It was the realization of a dream. There is nothing I wanted more in life than to land that contract. It is the culmination of 20 years of hard work in wrestling and fighting.

We can only assume that you are training harder then ever before for your fight against Jason High coming up in a few weeks. Can you briefly describe your training schedule for us?

As I write this, I am in between training sessions. I normally do two-a-days, which could consist of Brazilian Jui Jitsu, wrestling, striking, strength and conditioning, or cardio. I've come to a nice mix of everything in order to prime my body.

You fought primarily on the east coast and your UFC debut will be in North Carolina. Do you think you will have the crowd support entering the cage?

I've been very lucky to have a very loyal fan base. I know for a fact I'll have close to 75 Spaniard fans at the event, and I'm hoping to get more. However, once the fight starts, my mind and body work as one, and outside distractions do not effect me.