Tag: Interview

Rhett Butler, UFC – For former kickboxer turned MMA fighter Steve Steinbeiss, when he entered the UFC he expected a different outcome. The event was UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Guillard and it was the UFC’s first appearance in Oklahoma. The striker was facing a veteran talent in Ryan Jensen and the stage was all set to show why he was chosen for the biggest show in the sport.

Rhett Butler, UFC – Rob Kimmons has just divulged a secret he never thought he would casually unearth during an interview. The secret is more of an admission into his mental state at what he at one time considered the apex of his career and this secret has also haunted his UFC performances to date.

Elliot Worsell, UFC – Here’s a tip to all future opponents of UFC lightweight Paul Kelly – be nice. Compliment his grade-one haircut, the colour of his eyes or the unique twang of his Liverpool accent. Marvel at his ability to speak in jumbled morse code, yet still sound as passionate and direct as any competitor in mixed martial arts today. Tell him how strong his ground-and-pound is, how sharp his elbows are and how relentless his pace is. Whatever you do, don’t question his punch power, and please don’t wind him up.

Chuck Mindenhall, UFC – Would Ben Saunders have beaten Jake Ellenberger at UFC 111 in New Jersey? The world will never know. When Thiago Alves had to drop out of his fight with Jon Fitch only two days before their scheduled bout, the UFC turned to the “Killa B”—himself setting to face Ellenberger—and asked him to switch intended targets. His response: Hell yeah. Forget about the fact that he just got bumped into a fight with a perennial welterweight contender on 48 hours notice with no time to scheme, diagram and soak it in. He wasn’t about to miss the chance to—as the old saying goes—fly into flight.

Chuck Mindenhall, UFC – Right after he fought Evan Dunham on June 12 at UFC 115, Tyson Griffin made the type of request that always plays like music to Dana White’s ears: Get me back in there as soon as possible. Having dropped a tough split decision to his Xtreme Couture training partner—yet coming out of the fight healthy—Griffin made the call and volunteered his services should anything open up for him.