EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MIKE BROWN

Mike Thomas Brown also known as MTB (born September 8, 1975 in Portland, Maine) is an American mixed martial arts fighter. He currently fights as a featherweight in the World Extreme Cage fighting organization where he holds the WEC Featherweight Championship. He is currently ranked the #1 featherweight fighters in the world by both Sherdog and MMA Weekly. Sherdog & Yahoo! Sports also ranks him as the #10 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

TCB MMA: What age did you start training in MMA / How did you get started?

MIKE BROWN: started training MMA in 95, i was 19 and had my first fight in 01. Just for fun never intending it to be a career.

TCB MMA: What would you say is your biggest strength?

MIKE BROWN: My punching power has to be my biggest strength.

TCB MMA: Is there any specific area of your game that you feel needs to be improved?

MIKE BROWN: It all needs improvement. I think every good fighter thinks that way.

TCB MMA: You’re on a 9-fight win streak at the moment and also hold the WEC Featherweight title. Do you feel that you’re at your peak right now?

MIKE BROWN: I'm training now better than i ever have

TCB MMA: You defeated UFC veteran Leonard Garcia in the first defence of your featherweight title at WEC 39, but prior to that fight you had stated that you didn’t feel like the champion, after such a dominant win do you now feel like the no.1 fighter in the division or do you feel that you need to beat Urijah Faber again in your re-match to silence the critics?

MIKE BROWN: i think i silenced many already. All my past accomplishments are not riding on this fight. i have already proven myself. I’m the #1 featherweight in the world.

TCB MMA: There have been rumours circulating that Norifumi 'Kid' Yamamoto could sign for the UFC in the future, would you have any interest in fighting him? If so, how do you feel you match up with 'Kid'?

MIKE BROWN: Yes I’d love to. At this point I just want big fights. Many people would like to see it so that’s what i want.

TCB MMA: If you could fight any featherweight in the world today who would you choose?

MIKE BROWN: Paul Fenton for sure.

TCB MMA: If you defeat Faber in your re-match, would you be prepared to go up in weight to 155 to try and avenge some of your losses to fighters such as Joe Lauzon and Hermes Franca?

MIKE BROWN: I just want big fights. I don’t really care about rematches unless that’s what the fans want. I want the fans to be interested. I’m not chasing anyone.

TCB MMA: Can you take us through a typical week of when you’re training for a fight?

MIKE BROWN: i train 6 days a week Twice on Monday and Tuesday. Once Wednesday, twice on Thursday and Friday. Then once Saturday. every day is at ATT coconut creed except Tuesday nights i go to West palm beach for Parrumpina's grappling classes.

TCB MMA: You currently train at American Top Team, a team that is home to a lot of top class fighters such as Gesias Calvancante, Thiago Alves, Dennis Kang & obviously yourself. Are there any other top prospects coming through at the moment that people might not be aware of yet?

MIKE BROWN: Many guys you've never heard of that are tough and others you may know that are about to blow up. Lorenzo borgomeo, micah miller, chris manuel. Bocek is awesome but he’s not coming up he’s already here.

TCB MMA: In your career thus far, who has proved to be the most difficult opponent stylistically for you? Also are there any fights that stand out where you learnt a lot?

MIKE BROWN: Imanari had the weirdest style. Very tricky, you throw a punch and he falls down and try’s to leg lock. Just very awkward, he is very good at what he does. I learned the most from the Yves fight. Yves Edwards is a guy who i looked up to for a long time. When I realized I could hang with him i know i could beat anyone.

TCB MMA: What do you like to do when you are not training or fighting?

MIKE BROWN: hanging with my friends. like to have a few beers an laugh and make fun of my buddies

TCB MMA: With all the recent debate of who's the no.1 P4P MMA fighter today, who in your opinion deserves that title?

MIKE BROWN: Fedor. Of all the champs he has the cleanest record and he has fought almost all the top heavyweights. (except now brock and mir)

TCB MMA: Are there any other fighters that you like to watch? (besides yourself)

MIKE BROWN: JZ Calvan, Genki Sudo, Thiago Alves, Benji Radach, Brad Pickett

TCB MMA: What has been the highlight of your MMA career to date?

MIKE BROWN: WEC title

TCB MMA: Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans in the UK / any sponsors you'd like to thank?

MIKE BROWN: Thanks to Tapout, Champion Nutrition, and American Top Team. Thanks Jenni, Clarence, Paul, Chris brooks, levy, Comeau, and all my friends who backed me when times were tough.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH LEONARD 'BAD BOY' GARCIA

TCB MMA: What age did you start training in MMA / How did you get started?

Leonard Garcia: I stared fighting and training at the age of 18

TCB MMA: Where did your nickname ‘Bad Boy’ originally come from?

Leonard Garcia: I looked like a 15 year old so they called me the bad boy

TCB MMA: What would you say is your biggest strength?

Leonard Garcia: My biggest strength is my heart

TCB MMA: Is there any specific area of your game that you feel needs to be improved?

Leonard Garcia: I have to learn to calm down

TCB MMA: After your last fight against Mike Brown at WEC 39, is there anyone you’re specifically looking to fight next?

Leonard Garcia: Anyone who gets me back in line for the title, anyone that will help me achieve that i'll fight

TCB MMA: You've now fought in both the Lightweight & Featherweight divisions during your career, which weight do you feel that you perform best at? Also do you plan on returning to the UFC’s Lightweight division in the future?

Leonard Garcia: I do better at 45 I would fight at 55 if it made sense for my career

TCB MMA: Can you take us through a typical week of when you’re training for a fight?

Leonard Garcia: I wake up at 1o, In the gym at 10 30 to start a warm up then I start with wrestling and jui jitsu. We then do mma grappling for about 2 hours then we condition for 30 minutes. We then do the final leg of training from 6 to 8 where we train in Kickboxing until 8 at night. we do this reverse the next day

TCB MMA: What do you like to do when you are not training or fighting?

Leonard Garcia: Anything that gets the adrenaline going. shifter karts, heights, dirt biking, hiking, skydiving, racing on anything

TCB MMA: With all the recent debate of who's the no.1 P4P MMA fighter today, who in your opinion deserves that title?

Leonard Garcia: P4P is a made up word, I think if it was open weight we would have an answer

TCB MMA: Are there any other fighters that you like to watch? (besides yourself)

Leonard Garcia: All the fighters at Jackson's gym, Anderson Silva, Eddie Alvarez, Miguel Torres are a few of my favorites

TCB MMA: What has been the highlight of your MMA career to date?

Leonard Garcia: Fighting for the title is the most exciting thing for me, I loved the excitement i need to learn to channel that energy without losing it and going crazy but that's my highlight so far i cant wait till next time

TCB MMA: Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans in the UK / any sponsors you'd like to thank?

Leonard Garcia: My fans in the UK i cant wait to get out. I`m there to train one of my great friends Tom Watson who is from the UK so im excited to be there. i`d like to thank Tapout, Lexani, Full Tilt Poker, Hayabusa, Cage Fighter, Fighter Warehouse, Contact Clothing, Ed Hardy Watches, Vandle Eye Wear, and Dyna Pep for keeping the pep in my step, manager sven boogie bean my camp and the WEC, most off all god for making all this possible.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH KEVIN RANDLEMAN

You recently beat Ryo Kawanura after having not fought for a year and a half, do you feel that the time away from competitive fights affected you for that bout? Do you feel that your back to 100% now?

I WAS NOT 100% FOR THAT FIGHT BUT AFTER BEING OUT FOR OVER A YEAR AND A HALF I DIDN'T WANT TO CANCEL ANOTHER FIGHT. I WENT AGAINST MY DOCTOR'S ADVISE AND FOUGHT THE FIGHT. DURING THE FIRST ROUND OF THE FIGHT I COMPLETELY TORE MY ROTARY CUFF (WHICH IS WHAT MY DOC. WAS AFRAID OF) AND I HAD TO FIGHT THE REST OF THE FIGHT WITH ONE ARM. I HAVE NO REGRETS FOR TAKING THE FIGHT BECAUSE MENTALLY I NEEDED TO GET BACK IN THE RING-I WAS AWAY TOO LONG. YES IT DOES AFFECT YOU WHEN YOU ARE OUT SO LONG. I NEEDED TO HIT SOMEONE. BEING 100% NOW FEELS AMAZING. I AM OFF TO GO AND VISIT THE TROOPS IN KUWAIT AND IRAQ AND THEN WHEN I RETURN IT IS ALL ABOUT TRAINING AND GETTING MYSELF IN THE BEST PHYSICAL CONDITION THAT I CAN TO GIVE THE FANS WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR.

Who are you training with these days? I know you've spent some time training at Randy Couture's gym, are you still training over there?

YES I STILL TRAIN AT RANDY'S-JUST HAVE NOT BEEN THERE FOR MONTHS-HAD TO LET MY SHOULDER HEAL FULLY AND NOW IT IS. THERE IS A GREAT LINE UP THERE OF GUYS AND I CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK THERE. I ALSO TRAIN AT THROWDOWN HERE IS LAS VEGAS. I BEEN DOING SOME MUAY THAI AND BOXING THERE-COACH IVAN AND COACH KENNY RAYFORD ARE AWESOME.

Do you prefer fighting in Japan or would you rather fight in the US?

I LOVE FIGHTING OVER IN JAPAN-THE FANS ARE AWESOME BUT MY CONTRACT WITH THEM IS NOT EXCLUSIVE. MY MANAGER IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON A DEAL THAT WILL BRING ME BACK TO FIGHTING AT LEAST THREE TIMES IN 2009 IN AMERICA. AS MUCH AS I LOVE FIGHTING IN JAPAN I CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK INTO THE CAGE.

Has there been any opponents mentioned for your next fight? Is there anyone in particular who you'd like to fight next (or you feel you match up with well?)

I KNOW THAT SENGOKU IS TRYING TO FIND A GREAT MATCH UP FOR ME AT 205 FOR MY FIGHT BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. THEY HAVE NOT MENTIONED ANYTHING YET AND HONESTLY I DON'T CARE WHO I FIGHT I JUST CAN'T WAIT TO FIGHT. I AM JUST LOOKING FORWARD TO PUTTING ON A SHOW FOR THE FANS.

Would you like a re-match against Fedor at some point & do you see any flaws in him that you feel that you could expose?

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A CHANCE OF A FIGHT WITH ME AND FEDOR AGAIN. THERE HAS BEEN TALK OF IT ON A FEW OCCASIONS BUT RIGHT NOW I WANT TO FOCUS ON 205 AND DOING SOME DAMAGE IN THAT WEIGHT CLASS BUT YOU NEVER KNOW. I REALLY LIKE FEDOR AS A PERSON AND RESPECT HIM SO MUCH AS A FIGHTER. BY FAR HE IS ONE OF THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME. THE RIGHT PLACE AND TIME COULD BRING ME AND FEDOR TOGETHER AGAIN INTO THE CAGE OR RING BUT I WOULD PREFER THE CAGE IF I HAD TO FIGHT HIM AGAIN. FEDOR IS SO STRONG AND A FOCUSED FIGHTER SO IT IS NOT SO MUCH AS WHAT I COULD EXPOSE, BUT I AM SURE IF IT EVER HAPPENS IT WOULD BE A GREAT MATCH

Is there any specific area of your game that you feel needs to be
improved?

YES-I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON MY JIU JITSU-MY GROUND GAME HAS EVOLVED WAY PAST MY WRESTLING SKILLS AND I JUST MIGHT SURPRISE A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE BECAUSE THEY NEVER SEEN THIS SIDE OF ME. I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON MY JIU JITSU FOR A WHILE BUT INJURIES HAVE KEPT ME FROM SHOWING OFF WHAT I HAVE LEARNED. MOST RECENTLY I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH A MUAY THAI COACH AT THROWDOWN AND MY KICKS ARE REALLY POWERFUL. WHEN I USED TO TRAIN WITH COLEMAN WE JUST NEVER WORKED ON MY KICKS. MARK FELT LIKE I WOULD GET CAUGHT SO HE CONVINCED ME TO STAY AWAY BUT KNOW THAT I AM WORKING ON THEM IT IS SUCH A POWERFUL TOOL TO HAVE IN MY ARSENAL.

With all the recent debate of who's the no.1 P4P MMA fighter today, who in your opinion deserves that title?

RIGHT NOW I DON'T SEE ANYONE LINED UP TO STEP IN THE RING AND BEAT FEDOR,
SO UNTIL HE LOOSES I HAVE TO GIVE THAT TITLE TO HIM. AT THE LAST UFC THEY
WERE TALKING ABOUT ANDERSON SILVA BEING THE BEST P4P AND HE IS A GREAT
FIGHTER AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME FOR SURE AND I RESPECT HIM. I SEEN HIM
BEFORE THE FIGHT THE NIGHT HE TOOK THE BELT AND TOLD HIM THAT HE WOULD WIN THAT FIGHT. HIS SPEED IS WHAT MAKES IT SO HARD FOR PEOPLE TO BEAT HIM BUT COTE WAS DOING A GREAT JOB OF KEEPING UP WITH HIM-IT WAS UNFORTUNATE THE FIGHT HAD TO END THAT WAY. THE GREAT THING ABOUT MMA ON ANY GIVEN NIGHT EVEN THE GREATEST FIGHTERS IN THE WORLD CAN LOOSE. JUST HAVE TO TAKE IT ONE FIGHT AT A TIME.

Can you take us through a typical week of when your training for a fight?

I TRAIN AT LEAST TWO TIMES A DAY-EVERYDAY AND TRY TO REST MY BODY ON SUNDAY. THE FEW WEEKS BEFORE THE FIGHT I TRAIN THREE TIMES A DAY. HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF MY DAY THE MONTH BEFORE MY FIGHT: I AM A MORNING PERSON SO I START THE DAY BY GOING TO THE GYM AND DOING 30-45 MINUTES OF CARDIO. THEN I GET MY LIFTING IN. ARMS/BACK ONE DAY AND THEN LEGS THE NEXT. THIS USUALLY TAKES PLACE BETWEEN 6:00 AND 8:00 A.M. THEN I HEAD OVER TO THE MMA GYM AROUND NOON AND WORK WITH MY BOXING COACH. WE USUALLY ARE UP TO (15) 5 MINUTE ROUNDS BY THE MONTH BEFORE MY FIGHT (I THINK CARDIO IS SO IMPORTANT-WATCHING ALL THESE FIGHTS OVER THE YEARS I NOTICE SO MANY FIGHTERS GET GASSED SO I AM TRYING TO MAKE SURE MY CARDIO IT TOP SHELF). THAT USUALLY TAKES PLACE FROM NOON TO AROUND 2:00. THEN I HEAD BACK TO THE GYM AROUND 7:00 TO WORK ON MY JIU JITSU UNTIL AROUND 8:30. I DRINK ABOUT 3 SHAKES A DAY AND EAT AT LEAST 4 MEALS A DAY

How do you think your former training partner Mark Coleman will fair in the Light Heavyweight division?

I WOULD HAVE LIKE TO SEE MARK STAY IN THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION AND DO SOME DAMAGE IN THE UFC BUT HE FEELS HE WILL DO BETTER IN THE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION SO I WILL SUPPORT HIS DECISION. I THINK HIS REMATCH WITH SHOGUN SHOULD BE GOOD JUST BECAUSE OF ALL THE HYPE THAT WILL LEAD UP TO IT BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED IN JAPAN. IF MARK TRAINS HIS HARDEST HE WILL KICK SOME SERIOUS ASS BECAUSE HE IS SO PHYSICALLY STRONG AND WILL BE STRONGER THAN MOST OF HIS OPPONENTS AT 205. I AM TRYING TO GET HIM TO COME TO VEGAS BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT FIGHTERS TRAINING OUT HERE RIGHT NOW. HE HAS 2.5 MONTHS TO GET IN SHAPE AND I AM GOING TO DO MY BEST TO GET HIM OUT HERE CAUSE HE WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO TRAIN HARD. I WISH HIM THE BEST AND HOPE HE KICKS ASS.

Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans in the UK / any sponsors you'd like to thank?

DURING THE LAST FEW YEARS I HAVE BEEN THROWN SOME SERIOUS SET BACKS WITH MY INJURIES AND INFECTIONS. AS A FIGHTER IT IS HARD TO KEEP YOUR HEAD UP WHEN YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO TRAIN EVERYDAY. I LOOK AT TRAINING EVERYDAY AS MY JOB-AND FIGHTING IS THE REWARD. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN EASY FOR ME TO GIVE UP AND QUIT CAUSE EVERY TIME I WOULD GET BETTER THAT DAMN STAPH INFECTION KEPT COMING BACK TO MY SHOULDER OR SOMETHING WOULD HAPPEN. I WOULD LIKE TO SHOUT OUT TO MY FIANCÉ ELIZABETH-SHE NEVER LET ME STAY DOWN. SHE TAUGHT ME THAT TOUGH TIMES DON'T LAST TOUGH PEOPLE DO AND I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL TO HER FOR STAYING BY MY SIDE AND PICKING ME UP WHEN I WAS DOWN. I WOULD LIKE TO SHOUT OUT TO THE LOYALTY OF MY FANS. I READ AND ANSWERED EVERY EMAIL THAT HAS
EVER BEEN SENT TO ME AND ALL THE POSITIVE WORDS AND LETTERS THAT WERE SENT TO ME FROM MY FANS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS REALLY HELPED INSPIRE ME TO KEEP FIGHTING FOR WHAT I AM SUPPOSE TO DO. I AM VERY LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO FIGHT FOR A LIVING AND I PROMISE ALL THE FANS OUT THERE THAT I AM BACK AND WILL BE GIVING THEM SOME MORE GREAT MMA MEMORIES IN 2009.
I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK MMA AUTHENTICS-CAGE FIGHTER FOR BEING LOYAL TO THE SPORT AND HELPING SO MANY FIGHTERS. THEY ARE A GREAT BUNCH OF GUYS. YOU CAN TELL ALL THE FANS IF THEY GO TO MY WEBSITE AND WRITE TO ME I WILL WRITE THEM BACK. SOMETIMES IT MAY TAKE ME A FEW WEEKS TO GET BACK TO THEM BUT I PROMISE TO WRITE BACK:

WWW.KEVINRANDLEMAN.COM

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MIKE 'QUICK' SWICK

TCB MMA:
What would you say are your biggest strengths/weaknesses?

Mike Swick:
I think my biggest strength is my heart. Aside from that, probably speed and power...

TCB MMA:
After having 2 fights in the Welterweight division do you now feel comfortable at this weight?

Mike Swick:
Definately. I think my next fight will be my best at 170. I feel totally adjusted...

TCB MMA:
Are there any particular Welterweights out there that you want to fight next? or any that you feel that you match up well with?

Mike Swick:
All the top guys. In the end, I want to have fought all the top welterweights.

TCB MMA:
In your opinion who's the toughest opponent you've fought thus far in your career?

Mike Swick:
Well, stylistically I would say Yushin Okami. It was tough under the circumstances to get him off of me and all he wanted to do was hold me down...

TCB MMA:
Can you tell us what a typical week looks like when your training for a fight?

Mike Swick:
6 days a week 2-3 times a day. Usually 4-6 hours a day.

TCB MMA:
You recently fought & beat Marcus Davis in England, how does does the travelling involved in fighting in another country affect your conditioning? Do you prefer fighting in the US?

Mike Swick:
I don't think it effects your conditioning, its just different. In Vegas I have my routine down, in England I didn't. I really enjoyed coming to England and the fans were great! I would love to fight for them again.

TCB MMA:
With all the recent debate about who's the number 1 pound 4 pound fighter in MMA today, who do you think deserves the title?

Mike Swick:
I think its between GSP and Anderson Silva. Both are doing really well...

TCB MMA:
Who are some of your favorite fighters to watch?

Mike Swick:
My teammates of course! Next to them, all of the exciting fighters... too many to name!

TCB MMA:
What is your opinion of the current rules? Do you feel that knees to a downed opponent & soccer kicks should be allowed?

Mike Swick:
I like the current rules but wouldn't complain about down knees and soccer kicks. I think that would fit my style well...

TCB MMA:
You currently train at AKA, which seems to be producing alot of top class fighters at the moment such as Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck, Cung Le, Cain Velasquez & obviously yourself. Are there any other top prospects coming through at the moment who people might not be aware of yet?

Mike Swick:
Too Many! We got a couple Nate's(Moore, James) that are both doing well as well as Devin and Pat Minihan. Lots of talent at AKA.

TCB MMA:
When your not training, what do you like to do to relax, are there any other sports that your interested in?

Mike Swick:
Poker and traveling. I often combine them. I am actually sponsored by an online poker site and play online quite often. You can get more info about this at my pages MikeSwick.com

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH JOSH 'THE PUNK' THOMPSON

TCB MMA: How would you describe your fighting style?

Josh Thompson: Very fast pace an a true MMA fighter. I have some of the best stand up in MMA as well as one of the best grappling games. Im a true MMA fighter.

TCB MMA: What age did you start training in MMA / How did you get started?

Josh Thompson: 19yrs old, an my brother was takin BJJ while i was wrestling in College. One day i came home an picked on him like usual an he tapped me out with an ankle lock. That was my start.

TCB MMA: What would you say is your biggest strength?

Josh Thompson: I dont have one...Im good at everything without bein the best at one thing but better than most all around.


TCB MMA: Is there any specific area of your game that you feel needs to be improved?

Josh Thompson: Everything, my whole game needs improvement everyday. When i stop learnin in this sport is when i become an average fighter. I dont ever want that.

TCB MMA: Can you take us through a typical week of when your training for a fight?

Josh Thompson: Monday, Wed, Friday....Fighters trainin at 12pm an then eat, shower, sleep til 7pm then grapple in BJJ class until 830pm. Trainers run my bike an sport specific cardio for 30min. . Tues, Thurs, Sat..... A 10min 2mile run in the a.m. Fighters trainin at 12pm. grapple an Sprint cardio after 830pm

TCB MMA: With all the recent debate of who's the no.1 P4P MMA fighter today, who in your opinion deserves that title?

Josh Thompson: BJ Penn without a question. If he chooses to stay at lightweight i dont think there is a fighter out there who could beat him ever. He doesnt choose to stay there cuz he's not challenged there.

TCB MMA: Your currently on a 7-fight win streak after beating Gilbert Melendez for the Strikeforce Lightweight title, do you feel that your in your prime right now?

Josh Thompson: Nah, im not at my best right now. I can only get better barring no injuries.

TCB MMA: If you could fight any lightweight in the world today who would you choose? Would you rather try and avenge your losses to Yves Edwards & Clay Guida or would you prefer to face someone like BJ Penn or Takanori Gomi?

Josh Thompson: I hate rankings but in this case i feel there is no reason to fight people like Yves an Clay only cuz im ranked higher than them an they are comin off bad losses. I respect BJ Penn the most an it would be an honor to fight him cuz i admire him as a person as well as a professional athlete.

TCB MMA: Have any potential opponents been mentioned for your first title defence?

Josh Thompson: It was supposed to be Masvidal until he went an got his ass kicked in Japan by 145lb fighter after all that shit he talked bout beatin up me an Gilbert in the same night.

TCB MMA: Are there any other fighters that you like you watch? (besides yourself)

Josh Thompson: Frankie Edgar, Eddie Alvarez, BJ Penn, Jon Fitch, Trevor Prangley, Gilbert Melendez.

TCB MMA: What are your opinions on the current MMA rules? Do you think knees to a downed opponent and soccer kicks should be introduced?

Josh Thompson: No, I think they need to get rid of elbows on the ground to stop fights from endin in cuts as well as less movement on the ground since elbows dont require a lot of space to throw.

TCB MMA: Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans in the UK / any sponsors you'd like to thank?

Josh Thompson: Keep supportin me an ill keep fightin like its my last one.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH LUKE “THE SILENT ASSASSIN” CUMMO

Luke 'The Silent Assassin' Cummo is a mixed martial arts fighter who appeared in the second season of the reality TV series The Ultimate Fighter. After winning two exhibition fights, he made it to the finals where he was defeated by Joe Stevenson by decision in a close bout.

Cummo fights out of Long Island, New York and works with (Matt Serra) Serra Jiu-Jitsu and Ray Longo's IMAA. After his performance on The Ultimate Fighter finale, he was signed to a contract by the UFC. Although his grappling ability has been improving, his primary style remains Muay Thai kickboxing. He also holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt.

TCB MMA: How would you describe your fighting style?

Luke Cummo: My two trainers are Ray Longo and Matt Serra. Ray is a JKD sifu and Matt teaches me Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Overall, Jeet Kun Do was intended to be a philosophy instead of a style. So I just learn as much as I can and use what works.
In a fight I like to make it exciting for the fans by pressing the action. This also benefits me by gassing my opponent and leading to more bonuses.

TCB MMA: Is there anyone in your divsion who you'd like to fight next (or you feel you match up with well)

Luke Cummo: There are no easy fights, especially in the UFC. Every opponent presents a different challenge and I enjoy coming up with a strategy with my team and training hard to win.

TCB MMA: What age did you start training in MMA / How did you get started?

Luke Cummo: I started with Kung Fu in my early teens. I saw Enter the Dragon and wanted to be Bruce Lee. After high school I found Ray Longo's academy and began training JKD and kickboxing. He put me in some fights and then brought me in to spar with Matt Serra. Then I started training at his academy for grappling. I had my first pro MMA bout in 2002.

TCB MMA: What would you say is your biggest strength?

Luke Cummo: I have a good brain for strategy and seeing openings. I also will fight to the death.
Another thing I do that no other fighter does is eat right. The program I do is the best thing for athletic performance and overall health and vitality.

TCB MMA: Is there any specific area of your game that you feel needs to be improved?

Luke Cummo: Life is a journey, and the sport of MMA is so complex that one could spend their entire life training and continually learning. I think I have one of the best jobs to be able to do something that is so much fun and I enjoy growing as a person through martial arts training.

TCB MMA: Can you take us through a typical week of when your training for a fight?

Luke Cummo: Usually, the main types of training sessions are striking and grappling. Now a striking session can include sparring, pad work, bag work, calisthenics, and cardio. There's so much to do and every session is a little different. This is important to change things up to keep you guessing and prevent boredom. Grappling class usually involves learning new techniques or repeating moves so they become muscle memory. Its so important to do a move so much that it just happens naturally - you don't have to think about what you're doing. As the fight gets closer my coach will throw fresh guys on me in intervals and in different positions to work on scenarios and build grappling conditioning.
Then there are other types of workouts that can be applied to MMA, like sprinting, strength training, swimming, and sauna time.

TCB MMA: With all the recent debate of who's the no.1 P4P MMA fighter today, who in your opinion deserves that title?

Luke Cummo: I don't know, there are so many great champions...

TCB MMA: Are there any other fighters that you like to watch? (besides yourself)

Luke Cummo: I learn something new every time I see a fight. Watching a live fight is the best, even its on TV. When an event is on time-delay I make sure to stay off the internet and avoid anyone who might reveal the results until I can see the fights.

TCB MMA: What are your opinions on the current rules in the Ocatagon? Do you think knees to a downed opponent and soccer kicks should be introduced?

Luke Cummo: I like the current rules and I would like the kicks to a downed opponent too, although I can see why they haven't been allowed yet here in the US. For a sport that was banned a few years ago for being a "bloodsport" its important to make the transition as smooth as possible. I think MMA will be the #1 sport in the world eventually.

TCB MMA: Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans in the UK / any sponsors you'd like to thank?

Luke Cummo: Thank you to all of my fans, wherever you are. I really appreciate all the positive emails from my fans. If anyone has interest or questions about anything they can contact me through my website or directly at lukecummo@gmail.com. I have some really amazing information on my forums at LukeCummo.com and I have a new clothing line out now. Its the first and only eco-friendly line of MMA-inspired apparel and I'll be debuting it at the weigh-ins and in the octagon at UFC 87. Keep and eye out }:-)