If Andre Winner had the chance to do it all again, he would.
Many fighters after leaving the Ultimate Fighter house claim they would not go back. Winner is not one of them. His time on Series 9 of the reality show was a great benefit to him.
Without it, Winner would be a professional—just not a professional fighter.
“I was at a crossroads in my career” Winner said about being selected for the Ultimate Fighter. “I wasn’t really making enough money. It may have been get a job and give up this fighting thing.”
Fortunately, he was given a chance to appear on the reality show.
“It was awesome being on the Ultimate Fighter,” Winner said. “I’d do it again at the drop of a hat. I had a lot of friends there. I got along with nearly everybody.”
One person Winner especially bonded with was his coach on Team United Kingdom, UFC-villain Michael Bisping.
“I think Mike is a great guy, but he comes off the wrong way,” Winner said. “I think he kind of thrives on that though. He likes being the bad guy. He’s a real good coach. He was always there for us.”
As for the opposing coach, MMA legend Dan Henderson, Winner never had a chance to say hello. The format of the show kept the teams completely apart.
“I didn’t get any chance to work with Dan, but it would have been a great opportunity,” Winner said.
What many people do not know is that Season 9 was truly the last shot in the UFC for Winner. He applied for an earlier season but was rejected.
“I found out about the seventh season with late notice,” Winner said of the season coached by Forrest Griffin and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. “My management told me I should try. I made a video in a last ditch attempt, but it wasn’t very good.”
“It didn’t discourage me. I knew I put in the video late. I knew it wasn’t very good.”
Winner made the most of his second opportunity, and he was selected for Season 9. He made it all the way to the finals where he lost to fellow countryman, Ross Pearson.
However, since transitioning to the UFC, things have not gone as smoothly. Winner has a 2-3 record (11-5-1 overall) and he has lost his last two fights.
For most fighters, losing three straight fights in the UFC almost definitely means it’s time to look for a new promotion to fight for. Winner understands the predicament he is in.
“Obviously, I’m aware of it (two straight losses),” Winner said, “but I go out there to win every fight equally.”
The man between Winner and an extended stay in the world’s top MMA organization is another noted striker in Anthony Njokuani. The two are set to square off at UFC 132 on Saturday, July 2.
Winner is not going to prepare any differently.
“Every fight is my most important fight,” Winner said. “There’s no secret to what we both like to do. He’s a striker. I like to strike.”
In nine Zuffa-promoted fights, Njokuani has taken home four award bonuses—three have been for knockout of the night, and one was for fight of the night.
The idea of picking up some extra cash in the bout certainly adds to Winner’s motivation.
“Most definitely,” Winner said, when asked if fighting Njokuani has added interest. “I know he’s going to go out there and bring it. It makes it a lot more appealing for me.”
As for who will take home the victory in Winner’s must-win bout, Winner believes it will be him.
“It will be an exciting fight. I’m looking to stop him. I’m looking for the KO.”
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