In this full-length interview, Bleacher Report travels a few short miles away to El Nino Training Center to meet with the one and only Gilbert Melendez to get the scoop on all the latest topics surrounding the UFC. Bleacher Report goes in-depth with Me…
In this full-length interview, Bleacher Report travels a few short miles away to El Nino Training Center to meet with the one and only Gilbert Melendez to get the scoop on all the latest topics surrounding the UFC.
Bleacher Report goes in-depth with Melendez and learns the story behind joining the UFC and who introduced him to MMA. Melendez describes exactly what it means for him to go pro and start making sacrifices.
Melendez gives his two cents about upcoming UFC Fight Night 25: Ellenberger vs. Shields. Who will win?
This article and video would not be complete without touching on Gilbert’s new gym, El Nino Training Center. Who’s on staff? What style of fighting will they focus on? Find all this information and more in the Bleacher Report full-length interview of Gilbert Melendez.
If you like this video click here to check out more full-length interviews as well as full episodes of The Ultimate Show.
Breaking News: Simply become a fan of the BAMMA Facebook fanpage and catch the BAMMA 7 prelims and main card for free this Saturday, 10th September JS: Afternoon Paul, cheers for speaking today….In terms of your wrestling, most people obser…
Breaking News: Simply become a fan of the BAMMA Facebook fanpage and catch the BAMMA 7 prelims and main card for free this Saturday, 10th September
JS: Afternoon Paul, cheers for speaking today….In terms of your wrestling, most people observed that there has been a marked improvement during the time between fighting Koscheck and Woodley. This must instil a lot of confidence heading into a bout against a decorated wrestler like Radev?
PD: Yes, definitely,” Daley recently told BleacherReport.com. “I think it’s styles as well, there are different styles of wrestling, and I believe Radev’s wrestling is slightly easier to deal with than a Koscheck or a Woodley’s. There are differences between freestyle wrestling, and American collegiate wrestling, with distinct entrances to the shots, different tie-ups up top. However, Radev presents a lot of different problems in that he possesses heavy hands and appears much more willing to trade in order to set his shots up. Koscheck and Woodley were both making their shots off the back foot, because they were scared to trade, whereas I think Radev will punch his way into a clinch or a shot.
JS: Ok, as you continue to improve your defensive wrestling, is it likely we’ll see you begin to incorporate some of your own offensive wrestling into your game?
PD: I have offensive wrestling, but I only employ it when necessary. I never enter the cage with the intention of wrestling someone, no matter who it is. Striking will always be what I attempt to perform first. I have utilised wrestling in previous fights, for example I took Jorge Masvidal down to the mat, and the same with John Alessio, even in the first round. So, there are fights when I’ve shot in and completed a double-leg takedown, against Ross Mason and Sol Gilbert to name but a couple, but it’s just not my bread and butter. I’ll always come out to stand and trade.
JS: Ultimately, does the buzz of delivering a KO outweigh any other aspect of the MMA game for you?
PD: For me, striking is more interesting. Wrestling is a great sport which requires a lot of strength and power, and there can be some beauty to it, but for me personally, I believe striking and BJJ, would you believe, has a lot more art to it. I know if you look deep into wrestling, you’ll see throw-behinds and arm-drags, and there are plenty of technicalities, but I just believe the artform of striking and BJJ is just more aesthetically pleasing to the casual viewer.
JS: Absolutely. Ok, how come you’ve never followed the Dan Hardy path of relocating to the US to train?
PD: No, I don’t see the benefit of training in the US. There are a bunch of fighters I’ve beaten that have lived and trained permanently in the US, and conversely, there are a bunch of guys I’ve lost to that have never trained in the US. I don’t think the US is the hub it used to be back in the day when I went over to American Top Team. I’m just happy to train where I can ensure the best sparring and instruction, and also where I feel the most comfortable. And for me, that isn’t in the US right now. Though, I do fly my American wrestling coach over to the UK because I’d much prefer to hold my training camps over here.
JS: Ok, I recently spoke to Tom Watson and he alluded to the better quality of training that one can progressively find in the UK. Aside from your own comfortableness and convenience, does the increasing calibre of training partners warrant remaining here?
PD: I think the overall standard is constantly improving in the UK so there are great guys to train with. Generally, the calibre is certainly improving in the UK, but that’s not the main cause for me basing myself here. Sometimes, I’ll fly guys over here to train, and I do travel to get different looks, but not necessarily to the US. I often point out to my fellow British fighters that America isn’t the hub it used to be. There’s great training to be found in the UK, Europe and elsewhere.
JS: Ok, as a British MMA fan, that’s encouraging to hear. I’ve heard you claim in the past that it’s a bad idea to step inside the cage with you. Is it an even worse proposition for Radev in light of his 15-month layoff?
PD: Each fighter is an individual. He’s trained in Holland and his mentality will be pretty much the same as mine. He’s a fighter’s fighter who loves to fight. He’s going to come out and bring it. 15 months layoff or not, he’s a born fighter. Let me put it this way, if you’re walking down the street and some guy starts trying to touch up your girlfriend, you aren’t going to think to yourself, well I can’t smash this guy up because I haven’t trained for 15 months. You know, a fight’s a fight. That’s the mentality I convey to my fans, and it fuels the way I fight. That’s why I admire guys like Nick Diaz, Chris Lytle and Dan Henderson, who just get in there and willing to mix it up. For me that’s the most entertaining aspect of the sport, and it’s why the fans particularly love to see these kind of fighters perform.
JS: Obviously, we’ve heard British fighters complain before when wrestlers have just stifled them inside the cage to eke out a marginal victory. Will you begrudge Radev if he inflicts this style on you come Saturday night?
PD: Well. I’ve lost to wrestlers before. I’m always out there to fight. To me, wrestling is more of a transitional tool than a fighting technique. There are no real finishes in wrestling, like there are in striking and BJJ. If somebody wants to defeat me via a transitional tool, then that’s their prerogative, but I guarantee I’ll have more people asking for my autograph as I leave the arena for the flying knees, spinning elbows or headkicks that I’ve showcased. I’m an entertaining fighter, that’s what I do. I’m not a transitional fighter that turns up to score points. I turn up to knock motherf*ckers out, and that’s what I’ll do this weekend.
JS: Sounds ominous for Radev. Ok, in terms of your career since leaving the UFC, you have successively fought a spate of top-quality fighters, and that trend doesn’t appear to be relenting towards the end of 2011, with Radev, Fioravanti, and potentially Nate Marquardt lined up. Are you someone who exemplifies that there is life outside the UFC for MMA fighters?
PD: There always has been, and guys before me have proven this. People just buy into the UFC spin. Guys like Jeremy Horn who has had over 100 fights, guys like Travis Fulton who has had over 250 fights, guys like Jeff Monson, Ricco Rodriguez and Andrei Arlovski all still competing outside of the UFC. It’s a myth that there’s no life outside of the UFC. Don’t get me wrong, the UFC title is like the WBC title of MMA, but when Muhammad Ali or Ricky Hatton lose that title, they don’t just necessarily hang up their gloves. They continue to fight and earn their money, because it’s the sport that funds and drives them, not the UFC, and not Zuffa. And that’s what these budding MMA fighters must remember, the UFC doesn’t encapsulate all of MMA, and there are opportunities out there to make money in the sport outside of it. I’m a good example.
JS: Ok, and given the quality of opponent against whom you’re competing in BAMMA, do you think it will arrive to a point where holding the BAMMA title is even more highly-respected within the world of MMA?
PD: It’s nice to have belts in the trophy cabinet, but for me the significance lies in fighting top competition. That needs to be the driving force behind the sport, just putting on good fights. And due to the competition from MMA, the boxers are realising this. At the end of the day, fight fans love to watch good fights, irrespective of what title is on the line. Everyone loved the Micky Ward vs Arturro Gatti fights, those kind of wars that people remember for years and that go down in history. Who really enjoyed the Audley Harrison vs David Haye debacle? Or seeing Klitschko jab David Haye to death? No, they remembered the epic fights. It’s not the titles that are on the line, it’s the two people in there putting it on the line.
JS: Ok, but what are your thoughts generally on fighting for BAMMA?
PD: BAMMA is a great promotion doing great things, and it is growing to the stage where it’s receiving enough coverage in the press and TV that it is going to be widely recognised. Most people in the UK will soon be aware of the promotion, and it’ll become a household name. For the up-and-coming UK fighters, or for foreign fighters that are looking for good money, exposure and competition, then BAMMA can provide that. My managers mainly deal with Head of Business Development Liam Fisher, who is evidently doing a great job with BAMMA, and is a cool, approachable guy, like all the employees that represent the promotion.
JS: Great. Ok, it was predicted that it could get a bit heated between yourself and Nate Marquardt at today’s press conference. How’s the situation there?
PD: Yeah, he’s right next to me. We haven’t really said anything much to each other, but the press conference is about to commence so we shall see what happens. There was no issue really with Nate. I just stated that I didn’t agree with his use of banned substances, which he attributed to a testosterone deficiency, but he has previously been caught out with PEDs. He’s obviously using TRT as a performance enhancer, so he just should own up to it, admit it, and then move on.
JS: Ok, as you have alluded to, BAMMA does have the ability to attract top talent from around the globe. Given this, are there any other welterweights in particular that you have an issue with, or that you would like to fight?
PD: Not particularly. I just fight to fight the top guys. I’ll always fight the toughest guys, and most matchmakers will attest to this. Generally, when I get offered fights, I’ll be given a list of guys’ names, and I’ll pick the toughest of the bunch. I don’t go for the one with the highest profile, or the one that appears the easiest adversary on paper, I’ll simply pick the toughest, irrespective of whether they’re established or rising through the ranks.
JS: That’s a refreshing mentality these days. I caught an interview with you earlier during the week in which you allude to your current frequency of fighting. There’s the distinctive stat that since your fight with Koscheck, he has fought once, whereas this will be your seventh visit to the cage. Can you earn as much money fighting regularly outside the UFC as fighting 3 times annually in the UFC?
PD: Yes possibly, or maybe even more. It depends on the promotion, it depends on your sponsors and how loyal they are, and the budget they’re willing to dedicate to you, which is usually relative to the amount of publicity a fight can garner. It depends, I’ve received purses that are less than I could earn fighting for the UFC, and I’ve received purses that match or exceed what I could earn fighting for the UFC.
JS: Ok, you’ve stated on numerous occasions you love fighting in front of your beloved UK fans. It must also be great to be fighting alongside your Team Rough House boys this weekend, including Andre Winner, Jimmy Wallhead and Dean Amasinger?
PD: Absolutely. We haven’t fought together on the same show for a long time. I’m particularly happy for Jimmy. He’s someone that helps us all out getting prepared during camps, whilst not receiving as much exposure himself, so it’s nice that Jimmy is the main event on the card. When I accepted this fight, I was adamant that Jimmy’s bout with Trigg remains as the main event. Jimmy deserves a lot of credit for his role in helping other fighters get ready for their matchups, and he’s a tough guy who doesn’t get enough recognition. It’s going to be a Team Rough House clean sweep, just like the old days when we were all on the rise within MMA.
JS: Good man. I recently interviewed Rob “C-4” Sinclair, BAMMA lightweight champion who is taking on Leonardo Santos at BAMMA 7. He spoke in length about his admiration for you, and that he in fact based his nickname on yours, with “C-4” being another type of plastic explosive. That must be flattering?
PD: Oh yes. I actually read that on his pre-BAMMA 7 blog, and I was surprised and happy to hear that, especially from a talented fighter like Rob. It’s nice to hear anything positive about yourself in the press, especially when it comes from another athlete. It’s really a testament to my team. And best of luck to Rob on Saturday.
JS: You must be proud to be one of the original pioneers and current spearheads of UK MMA? That’s something that people will remember forever.
PD: Yes, it is something that I do think about, and I think it’ll be strange that people will look back upon my fights in a decade’s time and view them as classics, but it’s really cool, and I do appreciate and understand my responsibility of trying to advance MMA within this country.
JS: Ok, I’m curious as to why you aren’t on Twitter? You’d be great on there
PD: Ah, I don’t do Twitter, I just stick to Facebook. It has more content, and a billion users, and it has just hit China so it could be the way forward. If it ever dries up, I’ll move across to Twitter. A lot of people say it’d be a great tool for me, and that I’d get a lot of followers, and I will eventually make an official Twitter account, and I’ll inform everybody at the time on Semtex TV (http://semtex.tv/). It’s not my PR man advising me against it in case I put my foot in it, it’s purely out of choice.
JS: Ok, cool. What’s your current situation with Strikeforce, Zuffa and Dana White?
PD: Well, my Strikeforce contract has just been renewed til January 2013. I’m actually signed to “Forza”, which is a subsidiary of Zuffa. I’m in the family somewhere along the line.
JS: And how come you’ve managed to secure a non-exclusive contract with Strikeforce?
PD: I don’t think there’ll be any more non-exclusive contracts being signed with Strikeforce from now on. Obviously, I signed with Strikeforce before the Zuffa buyout, and they have to uphold all contracts. I got lucky, and it will now stand right up to 2013. It’s nice to know that I’m still signed to the organisation, even though they can kick me out at any time they want, so it is a little precarious.
JS: Does this also infer that Dana White is more tolerant towards you now?
PD: I don’t know to be honest. I don’t speak to Dana. I think Lorenzo Fertitta likes me. He always makes time for me, and he’s a cool guy. I think Lorenzo plays a significant role in mediating between Dana and a lot of the guys within the organisation, including Overeem. I always hear good things about Lorenzo across the board, including from my fellow fighters, whereas you’re more likely to hear a few negative remarks about Dana. There’s an element of good cop-bad cop in terms of the role that they both play.
JS: You and Dana are evidently both headstrong characters, so do you think a clash was inevitable at some juncture? It’s almost ironic that the trait which initially appealed to Dana, your aggression, ultimately lead to you butting heads.
PD: I don’t think so necessarily. Even before the Koscheck incident, Dana had hinted that he didn’t like my attitude. The thing with Dana is that he’s such a fight-fan, and he always appreciates a good fight, regardless of who takes part in it. I think his love for fighting has almost merged into his character. Personally, I don’t think that he’s much of a fighter really, but he does love watching a good fight.
JS: Do you think that your “bad boy” outward public image has been overhyped? Are there times you have used it to your advantage? Do you sometimes thrive on it?
PD: Yeah, I do think a lot of it is overhyped. I’m very direct, and certain people construe my honesty in different ways. I say what I feel, and I speak the truth as I see it. You can either interpret my words on face value, or twist them into something else. Some people like me for it, others don’t, like “Marmite” I guess. Sometimes I may use it to my advantage. I like to hype things up at a weigh-in. But generally, it’s just the way I am. I think things can sound different in the written and spoken word. People may read this interview, and feel that half the interview is too blunt, but if people heard me then they’d probably interpret me differently. A lot of the interviews written about me sound bad, but in recorded interviews I tend to convey myself well.
JS: Ok, to end on a question which you must get asked during virtually every single interview. I’m sure you’ve already guessed it. With the benefit of hindsight do you feel any regret at all for Koscheck incident? Cantona said he didn’t regret hitting Simmons. Obviously, you possess one punch KO power, so were you not punching to KO him?
PD: haha, yeah I guessed it. Everything happens for a reason, and I’m happy to be where I’m at now. And maybe my UFC career would have imploded in some other way had I stayed there. Even though it wasn’t planned, my departure turned out pretty well for me, as it made me quite infamous with the US fans. Overall, I’m happy with my short-lived UFC run. I went in there, I blasted out two guys, lost a boring fight, but made it exciting in the end, so I left how I entered.
JS: It kind of reminds me a little of the Eric Cantona controversy, when he Kung-Fu kicked the fan. To this day, he claims he doesn’t regret the incident. Now, you’re a man renowned for one-punch KO power, so…
PD: Oh, am I upset I didn’t knock him out. Mike Passenier and Melvin Manhoef both rang me after the fight and said “What you doing, you idiot? You’re out of the UFC. Paul you’re embarrassing, you’re supposed to be my understudy, and you didn’t knock him out.” They were Melvin’s words and I just laughed. It’s not something I really consider. I don’t wish I had knocked him out with the punch after the bell, it was dumb. The punch landed how it was supposed to land, and it’s all over now so it’s all good.
The Ultimate Show traveled out to Sacramento, California to sit down with one of the most dominant and fastest rising teams in the UFC today — Team Alpha Male. Lot’s of hot topics regarding the UFC have come up recently and there’s no bett…
The Ultimate Show traveled out to Sacramento, California to sit down with one of the most dominant and fastest rising teams in the UFC today — Team Alpha Male.
Lot’s of hot topics regarding the UFC have come up recently and there’s no better person to go to for some thoughts than someone who makes a living inside the Octagon, and Bleacher Report Gets the info from all three.
We pick the team’s brains about Twitter and self-promotion in the UFC. We also find out what they think about female MMA and their close friend Miesha Tate. We also cover the topic of including lighter weight classes to the card and the competition needed for them. Featuring Joseph Benavidez, Danny “Last Call” Castillo and trainer Dave Rowan, this exclusive and uncut interview isn’t one to be missed.
If you like this video click here to check out more from Bleacher Report Productions.
We caught up with the one and only, the All-American Brian Stann, to chat about everything going on in the world of mixed martial arts as well as his own life. It’s a well-known fact that Stann is a decorated U.S. solider, but did …
We caught up with the one and only, the All-American Brian Stann, to chat about everything going on in the world of mixed martial arts as well as his own life.
It’s a well-known fact that Stann is a decorated U.S. solider, but did you know about the non-profit organization he’s the president of that helps veterans get jobs? Brian tells us about all the work he’s done with them and what the organization hopes to accomplish.
Also, Chael Sonnen is known for mouthing off and mocking his opponents. But even he respects Brian Stann, who just happens to be his next opponent.
Find out what Stann thinks about the upcoming bout and how he’s been preparing for it. All this and much, much more in our exclusive, uncut interview with the All-American Brian Stann.
If you like this video click here to check out more from Bleacher Report Productions.
Introduction:
Mind the oxymoron, but Ed Bassmaster is a “seriously funny” human being. A man of many guises, this online sensation has a cult following in his hometown of Philadelphia, and is potentially on the cusp of nationwide US mainstr…
Introduction:
Mind the oxymoron, but Ed Bassmaster is a “seriously funny” human being. A man of many guises, this online sensation has a cult following in his hometown of Philadelphia, and is potentially on the cusp of nationwide US mainstream media recognition.
It’s a recognition that his comedic talent certainly merits. Boasting a modest 51,000 Facebook fans (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialEdBassmaster), and 9,000 followers on Twitter (http://twitter.com/edbassmaster) belies the fact that his plethora of sidesplitting alter-egos have amassed millions upon millions of YouTube views over recent years.
Indeed, Ed perfectly captures the essence of an eclectic array of eccentric caricatures including the lovable rogue “Skippy,” the articulate “Mumbles,” the delightful “Hacker,” the homie “Teste,” the testosterone-fuelled “Emilio” and inimitable sister “Tequila” (http://www.youtube.com/user/edbassmaster). A veritable ensemble of idiosyncratic individuals you’d be proud to take home to meet the parents.
I first encountered Ed as arguably his most revered character, the legend that is “Skippy”, when the globe’s largest MMA promotion descended upon Pennsylvania for UFC 133. It was an opportune moment for Señor Bassmaster to stitch up half of the UFC’s employers and employees, comprising the likes of top execs Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta, to fighters Rashad Evans and Matt Serra, and other integral parts of the company like behind-the-scenes liaison officer Burt Watson and octagon-girl Chandella Powell. His two ensuing videos are quite simply must-see material for any MMA fan. I subsequently decided to track Ed down in order to quiz him about his UFC 133 access-all-areas experience;
Interview:
JS: Hi Ed, I saw your hilarious UFC 133 Skippy YouTube videos and felt compelled to contact you, the person, in order to obtain your thoughts on the whole experience. So you first met Dana before UFC 133 at the Preston and Steve radio show. Did you already know these radio presenters, and had you pre-arranged access into the building?
EB: Yes, I also appear on their show once in a while, and they are familiar with me. In fact, they generally let me on the show whenever I want to, there’s no set schedule. It’s just random, I’ll call regularly to find out who’s going to be on the show, and if it’s an interesting person then I’ll just turn up and improv. I actually had two tickets for the UFC 133 event, so I thought to spontaneously give the guys a call to find out whether any UFC characters would be dropping by to promote the event, and the producer informed me that the very next day Dana White would be featuring. He invited me to come along and mess with Dana a little. So we took the opportunity, and Dana didn’t have a clue he was being set up. He told me afterwards that he had never seen Skippy, or any of my other characters online. I kind of just bombarded him in the green room, the waiting room before the show started. I caught him off guard, and approached without really even asking if I could have an interview. Afterwards, I discovered that he thought Skippy was kinda “special”, so he felt bad for him, and that’s why he was giving him the time of day.
JS: Haha, absolutely. That must be part of the appeal with Skippy, the fact that he’s a bit “special”, but very endearing and that’s why people are very accommodating towards him. Ok, so briefly run through how you managed to gain access-all-areas pass to UFC 133?
EB: Well after the interview, Dana and I talked. He thought it was funny, and thought it would be hilarious if I came to the event dressed as Skippy, and he set the whole thing up. He actually hooked me up with as many tickets as I wanted, so I brought along 8 friends, and he sorted out floor tickets for us all.
JS: That’s immense. Okay, evidently you are hugely popular online. Have you ever been approached by a network to produce a show?
EB: I’ve been approached a few times, but I don’t really discuss it a lot because in the early stages anything could happen, and a lot of things fall through for different reasons. I’ve had several talks with various production companies. It’s usually the production companies that make the initial contact, because if they help produce a show, they will subsequently pitch it to the networks. Right now, I’m talking with a production company in Los Angeles that produces a very popular show that airs on a major US network, and they want to begin pitching a show for me. That bodes well. Basically, we’ve already started filming, and it’s in the beginning stages, but I don’t tend to mention it much, just in case a network doesn’t decide to pick it up. The show is in development, and the production company is producing a reel for it right now. But, I haven’t really told my Facebook fans because I don’t want them to get excited prematurely.
JS: Great. Presumably, the show stars all the characters that have turned you into an online marvel?
EB: Yeah, it’s basically what I do on YouTube with a reality element incorporated, because it will be filming the behind-the-scenes footage of my pranks. It’s essentially a reality show based around my life, how I set up the pranks, hidden camera footage, and following me during my day-to-day life as Ed hanging out with my family.
JS: Sounds fantastic. Moving back onto the UFC now, you already had two tickets before meeting Dana, so you’re obviously a fan?
EB: Yes, definitely. I’ve been watching MMA for around 14 years. In fact, even before then. I was hooked since I watched UFC 1. I don’t get time to read a lot online about MMA, but I do go on CagePotato every once in a while, or UFC.com. But mainly, I just watch the fights.
JS: Yes, I’m a fan of CagePotato too. So this wasn’t a case of having to research everything before you conducted the prank? Have you attended an event live previously?
EB: No, I didn’t need to research this one. I knew who everybody was and I was quite familiar with what was going on, which was kinda neat. However, it was my first live event, because it was only the second time the UFC has made it to Philadelphia, and I’ve never had the chance to catch one in Vegas or any other cities. I didn’t want to go to a UFC event unless I was near the cage, because I’d prefer to watch it on the big-screen at home. And even after attending the event, and sitting cageside, I would still say the view is better on TV.
JS: Ok, so consequently, as an old-school MMA fan, it must have been a big deal to meet all the UFC stars? Given that you characters provide a barrier, would you have been more nervous meeting them initially as Ed than Skippy?
EB: It was huge man, very exciting. I’ve met a few celebrities through this whole YouTube odyssey, but this was the most exciting for me. In terms of nerves, meeting these high-profile guys as Ed or Skippy makes no difference to me. I’m a pretty laidback guy, I’m easy-going and I don’t get intimidated very easily so meeting these people doesn’t really faze me. I do a lot of fishing also, and I got the opportunity to fish with my favourite professional bass fisherman Mike Iaconelli over here in the US, and to me that was more exciting than hanging out with Sean Penn.
JS: Fair enough, that makes sense. And did Dana authorise you to interview fighters at literally any time?
EB: The way it worked was, we were sitting down, and Dana’s assistant approached us when Dana wanted to see us. He informed us that Dana wanted us to prank Lorenzo Fertitta because he had no idea who we were. So, we went into the suite and filmed that segment. When we were finished, Dana told his camera guy to take us around the locker rooms to interview some of the fighters. I sent Dana the clips a couple of days later to gain his authorisation that I could put the material out on YouTube, and make sure it was cool with Lorenzo, and he text me back immediately to give me the go-ahead. I’ve actually chatted to Dana a few times since UFC 133, just small-talk, and he gave me his address so I could send him out a Skippy shirt. It’s kinda neat to be corresponding with a guy that’s as busy as he is.
JS: That’s very cool Ed. What struck me the most about your “carte blanche” backstage pass was the fact that you were permitted to interview certain fighters, like Tito and Rashad, before the fights, and the main event at that. That’s incredible really, because one would presume that the organization wouldn’t burden the fighters with any pre-fight commitments as they are getting in the zone.
EB: Well, Dana told his camera guy to take us around to interview all the fighters that had won already, and all of a sudden this guy was just taking us into every locker-room. I think Mike Brown was the only fighter that I interviewed who had just won. Both Rashad and Tito hadn’t fought yet, and like you, I thought that was insane, because these guys were in fight-mode. I mean, they don’t do regular interviews pre-fight, let alone being pranked, so it was crazy that this guy was giving us access. I don’t know how Dana White felt about that, because he didn’t say anything after seeing the video. All I know is that he found the video hilarious.
JS: Absolutely, it’s unbelievable but worked out brilliantly. For those you interviewed and revealed pre-fight (like Tito), I think the laughter probably helped to alleviate their pre-fight stress a little. Okay, so how come you decided to use “Skippy” for UFC event, and not one of your other characters?
EB: Well, I did “Skippy” on a whim at the radio station with Dana, there was no real reason behind it. I guess I just thought that “Skippy” was the right man for the job. And also, Dana is a smart guy, so he might have called my bluff had I pranked him as “Mumbles”, since “Mumbles” is generally a less believable character. I realized I may be able to secure more footage with “Skippy”. Dana White fell in love with the “Skippy” character, so didn’t want me to enact my other characters.
JS: Ok, and is Skippy your favourite character to play?
EB: I don’t really have a particular favourite, but “Skippy” is right up there. He’s probably one of the most popular, and most requested.
JS: Yes, I can imagine that. I’ve subsequently watched all your characters but I’m a fan of “Skippy” in particular. He’s immense. Obviously, it’d be difficult to pull of the “Skippy” prank again as most of the MMA community are now aware of the lovable rogue.If you were to be granted UFC access again which of your other alter-egos would you adopt?
EB: Yeah, a lot of people have asked if I’m going to do any more UFC stuff. Depending on how many people in the UFC saw that video, it’s obviously going to be impossible to prank somebody with the same thing over. In terms of alternate characters, I’d probably opt for the “look at this” guy (“Emilio”) because he’s so flamboyant, and totally the opposite of any other MMA interviewer. You don’t see any guys like “Emilio” in the fighting world, no writers or commentators look like him.
JS: Haha, indeed. His campness would prove distinctive in the macho environment of MMA. Ok, so before you alluded to the contact you’ve had with Dana since UFC 133. Has he, or anyone within organization, suggested you can do anything else with the UFC?
EB: Well, Dana had a woman from his media department contact me and ask if I’d like to work with the UFC in the future, helping promote events. I keenly expressed an interest, but we haven’t followed it up yet. We didn’t really discuss in what capacity I would be required, so I’m not too sure about how exactly they’d utilise me. Even though it wouldn’t be a prank per se, because most UFC people are probably familiar with “Skippy” now, I think it would be funny to have “Skippy” go to the events and conduct interviews, almost like Ariel Helwani does. It may not be quite as effective, but it’d still be funny, and we could catch a few people out.
JS: Yes absolutely, even when people are aware of “Skippy”, he’s such a lovable character that it could work. Have any other opportunities arisen from this UFC exposure? Is this the most amount of exposure you’ve received in one hit?
EB: As of yet, nothing has emerged. And I’m yet to hear about what the fighters thought about the final output, though I’d love to hear their feedback. In terms of exposure, the UFC video has accumulated around 200,000 hits, but I have a couple of YouTube videos that have around 6-8 million views a piece. They’re back in the archives.
JS: WOW, okay, did Lorenzo take you up on that massage off-camera? How was the hug from Rashad?
EB: Haha, no he didn’t. The hug from Rashad was amazing, I was totally blown away by that. Nicest guy I’ve probably ever met in my life, very sincere. He was just so laidback and relaxed. Once again, he thought “Skippy” was special and treated him very kindly. That really took me off guard, and I have a lot of respect for Rashad. I’ve been a big fan of his since season 1 of “The Ultimate Fighter”, and I was actually pulling for him to win against Tito. Just to see that side of him was really cool, and made me an even bigger fan.
JS: Yes, it was particularly special in light of the fact that he was literally moments away from stepping into the Octagon. Okay, where do I get hold of a “Skippy” shirt?
EB: It’s a website called “District Lines” (http://www.districtlines.com/Ed-Bassmaster/T-Shirts). It’s my own brand, and includes a “Skippy” T-shirt, “Mumbles” and a “Brady Bunch”-style collage of all the characters in the vlogs.
JS: Haha, immense. I was actually referring to the “Skippy” Hawaiian number that he rocks during filming. You’d see a lot of people turning up to UFC events with “Skippy” shirts in order to pay homage to the legend. In fact, you could also launch a “Mumbles” cowboy hat, and “Skippy” glasses. Can you actually see through those glasses?
EB: Hahaha, that’d be awesome. I can’t see through the glasses, and that’s why I do take them off as often as possible, because they hurt my eyes bad. There’s no alternative, there are no other glasses that magnify your eyes in that fashion without messing up your vision, so you’ve just gotta do it.
JS: Haha, okay, did you reveal the prank to everyone you spoke to, because from the video it seemed like you didn’t have a chance to (e.g. with Burt Watson, Charles Barkley, Rashad, Kenny)?
EB: With Rashad, I did hand him a YouTube card to reveal the prank, but one of his trainers appeared from the backroom to summons him. It all happened real quick, I showed him the card, he started to laugh and shook my hand, and then he was pulled away by one of his trainers. He appreciated the joke, but it wasn’t as funny as some of the other reactions (specifically Matt Serra) because it was interrupted, so I chose to leave it out. With Kenny, he was sitting in front of us during the fights, and he heard “Skippy” yelling “Kick his ass” throughout the fights. Kenny and his friend kept laughing, and I don’t think he had any idea what was going on. I then approached Kenny and handed him one of my YouTube cards. Afterwards, I saw him in the hallway and captured the footage, but I’m not sure if he knew what was going on. It was only a brief interview because someone was rushing him to go and do another interview. With Burt Watson, we just walked away, haha. In the end, we were walking around real fast and just stopping people randomly as went along. Same situation with Charles Barkley.
JS: Haha, you called him Morgan Freeman then just walked away, ingenious. Okay, and in your opinion, who reacted the best to being Punk’d? Who found it the most funny? Who was the most awkward?
EB: Matt Serra provided the best reaction definitely. I didn’t get the awkward vibe off anyone. Everyone that we let off the hook laughed and found it amusing. With Lorenzo, I don’t think he was 100% sure what was happening, even when Dana grabbed me and burst out laughing, and I revealed the prank to him. I mean, here’s a guy who’s a billionaire, has probably never been pranked in this way before, so was a little out of his element.
JS: Haha, absolutely. Conversely, Dana loves a prank so this worked perfectly. Moving onto Chandella, is she your favourite ring-girl? Would you rather have “scored” with Arianny or Brittney?
EB: Haha, yeah, she’s my favourite, she was very sweet to “Skippy”. In all reality, I’m a fight fan, so I don’t even pay that much attention to the ring girls.
JS: Haha, okay, well you’re a married man so we’ll leave it there, as I don’t want to get you into any trouble here. How did the fans at cage-side react to “Skippy”?
EB: Everybody tends to react to “Skippy” like they feel a bit sorry for him. With it being my hometown of Philly, there were a lot of people that recognised me. Even from the parking lot to the front door I was stopped several times by fans. When I was inside the arena, I could hear people yelling out “Skippy” from the stands, so I would stop for pictures as I was walking by. Most people that recognise me tend to ask for a picture.
JS: Great. And finally, obviously not many of us get granted the behind-the-scenes access apart from the snippets of Dana White Vlogs. How was the backstage UFC experience? Is it as manic as it looks?
EB: Yes, it is manic back there. There are people running around everywhere. Definitely a crazy scene.
JS: Okay, well thanks for your time Ed, it’s been a pleasure. I hope to hear big things from you in the future.
JS: Hi Brian, many thanks for affording me the opportunity to conduct this interview. You seem to have a new lease of life at middleweight. Do you now feel in retrospect that MW has always been your natural fighting weight? BS: Yes. I had been told se…
JS: Hi Brian, many thanks for affording me the opportunity to conduct this interview. You seem to have a new lease of life at middleweight. Do you now feel in retrospect that MW has always been your natural fighting weight?
BS: Yes. I had been told several times by my cornermen that I would end up being a middleweight. When I was in the WEC, I hardly had to cut a single pound. I would arrive in Las Vegas weighing 206, or 207 lbs. When I initially made it over to the UFC, I would actually try to lift more weights to put weight on, because I had zero experience in cutting weight, and I preferred not to deal with it. I had never experienced any issues strength-wise up til then, with any Light Heavyweight I had ever fought, so it wasn’t really an issue. But as I continued to fight better wrestlers, it became more difficult, especially against the top level guys who are cutting significant amounts of weight. When fighting at 205lbs, on the morning of weigh-ins, I would consume a sizeable breakfast, which is virtually unheard of.
JS: And do you dislike the much-maligned weight-cut as much as other fighters?
BS: Actually, I find it ok. It is what it is. It’s four days of just sucking it up. I don’t have an easy cut by any means but I have a great nutritionist George Lockhart who handles my diet, and forms an integral part of my entourage for fight week. We make it work, and it’s a worthwhile sacrifice to compete in the greatest sport on the planet.
JS: Ok. With notable wins recently over Leben and Santiago, you are hovering around the top of the middleweight rankings. Does this add any pressure going into fights?
BS: No, I don’t feel any pressure. There are so many critics out there that remain sceptical of my abilities. And even though this next fight with Chael is a number one contender bout, nobody is giving me a prayer in this fight, I’m more than a 2-1 underdog. So really all the pressure to perform is on the other guy. I can go out there, fight 100 miles per hour and fight to the best of my abilities because nobody is expecting anything from me in this fight.
JS: Ok, and not wanting to look past Sonnen, but who else in particular excites you in terms of future UFC middleweight competition? Silva? Bisping? Belfort? Munoz?
BS: Yes, there’s a lot. Obviously, the champion excites me. Everyone wants to be the first middleweight to beat him. I know I certainly do. Chael obviously excites me because he arguably can be the best middleweight in the world. We all saw what he did to Anderson. You watch Chael’s fights and he really takes it to some top level guys. Michael Bisping excites me, he puts on exciting fights. Same with Mark Munoz. So all those guys in the top 6 or 7 of the weight class are so close in their skill-sets and abilities that any of the fights would be razor-thin, and little things would determine the winner. Who executes better, who’s in better shape, who enjoys a little bit of fortune on the night. All these things are factors, and any one of us could beat the other guy on any given night, and that’s what makes this sport so special.
JS: Great, and what are your thoughts on my compatriot Michael Bisping, obviously quite a polarising figure within the MMA community?
BS: I’ve made the mistake in the past of judging guys based on what I see in articles or TV. I promised I would never do that anymore. Honestly, I have never met Michael, I can’t tell you anything about him, aside from the fact he’s a very well-rounded fighter who’s constantly improving in all facets of the game. I’m sure our paths will cross in the future. But for me to judge him outside the cage based on interviews or articles would be a mistake. Often when fighters talk to the media it’s right before a fight so your mindset is different, or it’s right after a fight. This isn’t necessarily always an accurate portrayal of the person.
JS: Obviously you’re hugely popular within the organisation. What did you make of it when Wanderlei Silva declined an offer to fight you on the basis that he didn’t want to fight someone so popular in the US?
BS: I really didn’t make a big deal out of it. I knew asking to fight him was a long shot anyway. He is a true legend of the sport, and he is at the point in his career where he can pick and choose his battles. For guys that have that many fights and have worn that many belts, there’s nothing left for Wanderlei to prove in this sport. It’s very similar to where Randy Couture was at the twilight of his career, where it was more about the matchups that excited him rather than the titles. The matchup with me didn’t excite Wanderlei that much, and he didn’t want to deal with some of those things that he discussed. He was very respectful in doing so, and I hope that I’ve been equally as respectful in understanding. I’ll always be a Wanderlei Silva fan irrespective of whatever happens.
JS: Ok, moving onto Chael…you are recognised as one of the sport’s gents, and Chael is renowned for being outspoken and brash. However, it would appear from a recent interview I saw that you are both friends, or on good terms at least? In fact Chael went on record as stating that after Dana White, you are the person he most respects within the organisation. How do you react to that?
BS: Well, I wouldn’t say we’re really close friends. We don’t talk very often, but there is a mutual respect there. I trained with Chael years ago, before he became very outspoken, before he fought certain guys that ignited that style of marketing, so I feel I know Chael aside from the media and he’s a good guy. He has always been very respectful, kind and helpful towards me, especially when I trained in Portland for a week with Chael and Matt Lindland a while back. After that, we really didn’t communicate much at all together except for the fact that we shared a common mentor in a gentleman by the name of John Bardis, who has been a mentor of mine for several years now, and who is also the chairman of the board for Hire Heroes USA (http://www.hireheroesusa.org/). John has effectively been my boss at work, and he is also very close with Chael. Other than that, we don’t talk on a regular basis. We don’t call or text each other every day.
I think Chael really kept tabs on me through John, and was very proud of my development, knowing that when he had trained with me I was very raw, and most people didn’t believe I could pursue a career in MMA. He was always excited and happy to see me succeed, which is very kind of him, but when I was told by the UFC that we are scheduled to fight, my initial reaction wasn’t to question that on the basis of our relationship outside of the cage. It’s not out of lack of respect towards Chael, but I train with a lot of middleweights in my gym with whom I may have to use that “friend card” in the future.
Anyway, the UFC didn’t give me much leeway. They rang me up and told me who I was fighting, that it was the fight Dana White wanted. If that’s what the boss wants, then that’s fine. That’s who I am. If my team, or person in charge of me wants me to do something, then I’ll ordinarily oblige. It’s just one of those things. Ironically, just before the fight was proposed, Chael and I had started conversing about some of Chael’s friends in the Portland area who are veterans, and who needed help from Hire Heroes USA. He also mentioned that he didn’t have many training partners over there, and suggested that we get together. It made sense, with my striking and his wrestling it could be mutually beneficial, improving each other’s weaknesses.
JS: Ok, well you alluded to playing “the friend card”, and knowing your close bond with my native Englishman Tom “Kong” Watson, if the situation ever presented itself to fight Tom, how would you approach this sensitive topic?
BS: Well, here’s the deal. There’s only one belt, only one champion, so sometimes these scenarios crop up. If this situation arose where Tom was in the UFC, and they asked us to fight, it would be something where I’d call Tom directly to discuss it. We’d look at it both ways. Tom and I always tease each other by claiming that we’d like to fight each other, because we know how exciting the fight would be. And that statement is based on our kickboxing sparring sessions, which are absolutely exciting to watch. We beat on each other every day in the gym, without pulling punches. We know we’d get the fans on their feet. If it’s an opportunity where one of us needs that win for our career, the match is for a shot at the title, or in fact is for the title, maybe we’d have to put the friendship aside and go out there to compete with each other like we do every day at the gym. I’d rather lose to a great friend of mine than someone I’ve never met before. But in all honesty, I’d love to avoid that situation. I’d never want to fight Tom, because he’s one of my closest friends in the sport.
The thing with the UFC is that it tends to reward exciting fighters. Two exciting fighters that go at it generally both prosper, so it’s a win-win situation. Careers invariably don’t take a massive hit if a fighter delivers excitement.
JS: Ok, and you also alluded above to Chael’s current outward persona towards the media. Do you believe that his outspoken nature is primarily cultivated in order to enhance interest in his fights, therefore attributable to his marketing savvy?
BS: I know nothing for fact, but yes, I believe it is Chael’s marketing savvy. I believe a lot of it is marketing, but I also believe that Chael has a genuine dislike for some of his opponents which has led him to make certain statements. Whether that dislike is merited or not, I have no idea. I haven’t met the people he has criticised, I know nothing about it. It’s certainly not my style, and wouldn’t be the way that I approach harnessing the media prior to a fight.
JS: Conversely, what are you making of Chael’s Mr.Nice guy approach in the lead-up to your encounter? Does it surprise you at all?
BS: Not at all. In typical fashion, most people only remember the fights for which Chael was outspoken. They don’t remember the fights like against Dan Miller, Nate Marquardt and Yushin Okami, for which he was very respectful. Everyone tends to remember your last fight, and obviously prior to his title fight against Anderson Silva, Chael was outspoken, so perhaps people expected him to continue in this vein against me. I never expected him to talk smack on me, unless I had done something to upset him of which I wasn’t aware. With Chael, I think he is being genuine when he claims that he doesn’t manufacture conflict, but rather he will voice his opinion against a fighter who he dislikes.
JS: Right. Chael, like yourself, is also evidently a proud American, given he boasts the US flag on his walkout t-shirt. Being patriotic as he is about his own country, do you not think he has been a little insensitive to ridicule Brazil so flagrantly during recent interviews? Has he overstepped the mark by bringing nationality into his quips?
BS: I do not share any of the sentiments expressed by Chael. My BJJ coach is Roberto Traven, 1999 Abu Dhabi open class champion, from Rio de Janeiro. I have a great deal of respect for that country, its people, and what it has done for mixed martial arts. When I’m in Atlanta, most of my training partners are Brazilian so I have close Brazilian friends. In terms of what Chael has said, I have no idea why he has made the remarks about Brazil, you would have to ask him that. I don’t know what it is. If I had to guess I’d say he doesn’t really mean it, and that it’s just a marketing strategy.
JS: Obviously you will have seen some of Chael’s pre-fight antics for his previous encounters. Do you ordinarily find his pre-fight banter amusing?
BS: Yes, in most cases. I don’t agree with his criticisms of fighters or countries, but there are certainly a lot of things he does that generate interest in a fight. People are really going to root for or against him. The build-up made the Anderson Silva fight even more exciting. The fight was exciting itself regardless. Organisations often attempt to manufacture some trash-talk to generate interest around a fight. It’s no secret that when two guys talk trash about each other, and there’s an apparent dislike between them, then extra interest is generated. I don’t think the sport needs it, but characters like Chael Sonnen add value and entertainment to the sport.
JS: In terms of your approach to the fight, most people believe you hold the advantage on the feet, but will you also feel comfortable on the ground in the knowledge that Chael has previously been susceptible to submissions?
BS: Well, you know, Chael has been caught on several occasions, but it hasn’t been that often during his career, so I can’t go in there and depend on catching him with something off my back. There have been a lot more guys who he has fought that have ended up on their back and been pounded for three rounds. I feel there are areas where I have an advantage, and others where he has an advantage, and really it’s both of our jobs to neutralise the other person’s advantages. The difference is that Chael doesn’t have any one way of finishing this fight at any one moment, whereas I do, and in my eyes that’s the biggest difference in this fight. I can end this fight at any moment with a number of different strikes, either with my hands, feet, knees or elbows. He doesn’t have that ability, so he has to go in there, take me down and control me for three straight rounds to win this fight. I have to ensure he can’t do that.
JS: That’s fair enough. You mention his lack of raw KO power, but you must have been impressed with how proficient he looked on the feet against Anderson Silva, even tagging him and knocking him down a couple of times?
BS: There’s nothing easy at all about fighting Chael Sonnen, no matter where the fight takes place. Just because I believe I have an advantage in one particular area, doesn’t mean that I have a mile advantage. Chael has been competing in MMA since I was in highschool. He made his pro-debut in 1997, when I was a sophomore. Not to mention all the years he has spent wrestling. Wherever we fight this won’t be a cakewalk, I’m in for a fight. However, if he finds himself trading shots with me, that’s an advantage for me. Those are the situations I’m looking to create in this fight, whereas I don’t think he wants to find himself in those situations. If he’s in those situations, he’s going to be trading punches to get out of it, set up a takedown, clench up, or fight you at a distance. He’s too smart to just trade blows.
JS: Ok, so do you think you could be the first person to KO Chael Sonnen?
BS: Absolutely, I can knock anybody out. I have enough power to knock anybody out. With the right punch or kick, anybody can be knocked out. There is nobody who can’t be knocked out. One of the reasons Chael hasn’t been knocked out in his career is because, one he’s tough, and secondly he’s very good at sticking to his gameplan. You watch all his fights and you’ll see that there are very few guys that can defend against his style of fighting, which is to come out, attack you on the feet, create openings for a very good double-leg, single-leg, or body lock takedown, into a very controlling and relentless top game. Chael doesn’t just lay on you, he also attacks you when he’s on top. It’s very difficult to knock a guy out when he’s on top of you punching you in the face.
JS: Right, ultimately, is this fight the epitome of a battle of wills? Neither of you tends to take a backward step. I recently saw an interview in which you claimed to have more heart than Chael, but he also prides himself on his will. How do you break Chael’s will?
BS: You just have to keep going. Sometimes you find a guy that is willing to go to the same level as you are. I’ve got to hope he’s not willing to go to the same level that I’m willing to go to that night. And if he is, then I have to find another level. In my mind, of course I’m going to think that I have more heart and more mental toughness than anybody else in this sport, and I have to approach it that way. I’d expect nothing less than for Chael to come at me for 15 whole minutes, and it’ll make it a special fight for the fans.
JS: Sounds immense, I can’t wait for it. Cheers for your time today Brian, I really appreciate it.
BS: No problem Jonny, best of luck, and I look forward to seeing the piece.
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