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.