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Team MFS Interview with Mike Ciesnolevicz
by Sachet, Moderator @ www.BeyondMass.com
(For more information on Sachet and her writings at BeyondMass.com, please click on the above banner.)
When Ultimate Fighter Mike Ciesnolevicz steps up to face the music again, he will be ready for the challenge.
Mike Ciesnolevicz's Profile
- Age: 24
- Height: 6' 0"
- Weight: 225 lbs but I fight at 205 lbs
- High School Sports: Football, Basketball, Karate training under ex-Marine John Korab at 15 years old
- College Sports: Boxing, Wrestling
- Grappling Instructor: Pan-Am Gold Medallist in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Danny Ives
- Types of training: Team Miletich Fighting Systems in Bettendorf, IOWA
- Education: Graduated from Lock Haven University with a B.S in Health and Physical Education
- Amateur record: Amateur submission only fights record 24-4
- Pro record: 1 fight 1-0 Actually listed as 2-0. I thought one fight was amateur but it was placed on my pro record. I won by choke hold in like 3 minutes.
Licensed as a pro martial arts fighter by the NJ State Athletic Control Board/Athletic Commission.
Currently training at the Miletich Fighting Systems training facility in Iowa
Mike Ciesnolevicz's Interview
- Hiya Mike, You've had quite a lifestyle change within the past few weeks with your move to Iowa to train. I bet you still can't believe it at times. I have been reading over several of the articles that were written about you over the past six months. In an article written by Charlie Roth of the Republican Herald, he mentions that you 'had an affinity for action movies - you know, the kind that featured martial arts heroes with plenty of fighting'. Did you have a particular 'hero' who influenced your decision to start doing MA?
I'm kind of embarrassed by this one but it was actually Jean Claude Van Damme, LOL.....I wanted to do all that fancy stuff like the splits and the high spinning kicks, etc. .I found out years later that that wasn't very practical in the real world as far as fighting, but I still was influenced by it! haha
I used to stand in front of this big mirror and try to perform these crazy moves. Most of the time I just ended up falling down LOL
- LMAO, He made it look easy on TV. Then who are your idols from BJJ & MMA?
I always looked up to Ken Shamrock as a kid. My idols are basically the guys that put their lives into this sport and are always looking to bring guys like me along. I would say right now I am a big fan of Pat Miletich and the team out here in Iowa, these guys are the best fighters in the world, yet really down to earth people too. Coming here was the best move I ever made.
- Well, you trained hard to make that dream come true and couldn't have made that move if you didn't have confidence in yourself to take on that challenge. Who do you think are the most exciting fighters in MMA right now?
Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira, Mirko Cro Cop, Phil Baroni, Emelianko Fedor, and Matt Serra are the names I can come up with of the top of my head.
- Out of that group, who is your most favorite fighter to watch?
The fighter I like to watch most is Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira........the guy is a technique machine and his style is very technical and he flows very good w/ his submission combinations/setups. Every time I watch him fight, I learn new things to add to my game. My favorite fight is also Minotauro against Heath Herring. That fight was amazing!!!!!!!!!
- Other than fight tapes, what are some of your favorite MA movies?
My favorite martial arts movies were also things like Bloodsport, Kickboxer, Lionheart and other Van Damme movies. I now watch mostly fight tapes, instructional tapes and I'm a big Sopranos fan.
- In the fight tapes, there's always a winner so let's go back to back to your fight on November 1, 2003 against Romel Grey. You walked away victorious in your Ultimate Fighter professional debut which took place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. How does it feel to have the referee raise your arm in victory in front of so many fans?
It was amazing......It felt great and it was really good for getting my name out there.
- You also appeared to be well trained & prepared for your fight against Grey, who is a karate black belt from Arizona incidentally. It's my understanding that these matches are two five-minute rounds. Being a girlie who doesn't have much knowledge about MMA, it sounds like a free for all to me, ya know.. get your opponent pounded FAST. What are the rules to keep these fights somewhat civilized?
You can't bite, eye gouge, groin shots, kick someone when they are down, hit with the point of the elbow, you can't pull hair..... it isn't a blood sport...it is a controlled fight between 2 professional MMA fighters. A lot different than a street fight. MMA fighters in my opinion are the hardest training athletes in the world.
You have the option to give up by tapping the mat to signal surrender. The corner or referee can stop the fight if one of the competitors can't defend himself intelligently.
- This is the Realityfighting.tv website write-up regarding the results from that fight. You certainly live up to your RUTHLESS screen name!
Mike Ciesnolevicz, Renzo Gracie (6’ 0”, 200 lbs)
vs.
Romeo Grey, Arizona Freestyle (6’ 0”, 200 lbs)
Ciesnolevicz comes out looking in perfect shape, perfectly warmed up, and perfectly confident. He moves around not walking but stalking. Gray enters in a Taekwon Do gi, unusual for MMA, but looks not scared but serious to the point of being scary. As the round opens Grey moves in and lands some straight shots that last until Ciesnolevicz gets the takedown. At that point the match became Exhibit A in the case for BJJ. Ciesnolevicz lands in Guard, passes to Half Guard where he lands some heavy shots, and then takes full mount. Romeo covers up under a hail of shots and as he tries to turn, the ref stops it at 1:23 of the 1st.
Other articles and some pictures of the fight.
http://www.beyondmass.com/forums/sh...=&threadid=5520
- Yikes, poor Grey! Congratulations on your win in Atlantic City.. very impressive! Once the news of your win circulated, you were challenged by an old neighborhood 'tough guy' to fight. How did you handle the situation?
Thank you. The tough guy situation is still pending....I haven't seen him lately and I'm on my way to Iowa so I doubt I will anytime soon. I think it will kind of fade away over the next few months.
- I'm sure you're going to see more 'tough guys' coming out of the woodwork with every fight you win.. How do you prevent losing your self-control and hurting someone when you get angry and tempers flair up?
It's funny, I used to fight more and get in altercations before I was a pro fighter. Now I seem to know what I can do and I don't feel the need to prove it to anyone. I am more relaxed when hanging out now.
Also, I tend to avoid these situations before they happen. I will walk away usually or avoid the situation all together by not putting myself in a undesirable environment. Not to brag, but in the towns I live in, most people know me and I hardly ever have people who want to fight me....only rare occasions like if someone is drunk, etc.
- That's good.. that makes me wonder about a topic that was brought up about doing things out of habit. A couple days ago, several friends were mentioning that they're beginning to write internet-lingo things (such as LOL) mistakenly on work papers because they spend too much time online while at work. When you're in training, you generally train on & off all day. How do you manage to separate the fighter in you while you're running simple errands, and restrain your automatic responses {punching someone} when you catch something out of the corner of you eye? Have you ever instinctively reacted by blocking someone's arm when they're trying to hand you something?
I'm not a violent person....I would not flinch at someone or mistake someone's arm for a punch, etc......it never happens to me and I usually make eye contact with people if they are close to me. I think this question is funny  haha , but in a good way.
- LOL, I've got quite an imagination. When you're training for a fight or competition, naturally all your focus is on your training. Do you have other interests or hobbies to round out your life to help keep you from developing burn-out?
When training for a fight, I'm putting in like 4-6 hrs a day training, plus studying fight tape, etc. In my free time I am napping or eating to recover from my training. As far as things to help me prevent burnout, I spend a lot of time watching movies, hanging out on the computer and relaxing w/ friends or my pets whenever I can. I love my pets more than I do some people. Princess, Hooter and Socks are my kittens...Princess just turned 1 this week....Tyson is my mini Doberman pinscher. I'm usually so busy training and so tired, that sleep is my main escape...usually I'm on the run so much that the day is over before I know it.
- I've seen pictures of your pets and they are adorable. So you train, nap and eat. What's your favorite pre-fight meal?
Usually I will have a big breakfast on the day of a fight. Like eggs, toast, home fries and either pancakes or oatmeal. I have fruit juice and water with that too. About 2-3 hours later I will have something else like a sub/sandwich or something like that with fruit. About 2 hours after that I might have a meal replacement bar with some fruit. I sip on water throughout the day also. My last meal was around 5 p.m. and my fight is around 9-11 p.m.
- Breakfast of a champion! Being the extreme athlete that you are and the fact that you have a solid background in health education you understand the value of a varied, clean diet. On what level do you feel that proper nutrition contributes to your optimist attitude?
In my opinion, being a Health and Physical Education major gives me an advantage over my competition. I do know the value of proper exercise, proper technique while exercising and different fitness principles. I also think my nutritional knowledge is a huge factor in my performance. My diet is very clean and very healthy. I have experimented a lot with my diet the past few years and I think I have come up with a formula now that best suits me and my performance. It gives me the confidence to know that I'm doing everything I can to succeed in the ring. A lot of fighters don't have the proper knowledge on diet and training that I do and sometimes it shows when they get in the ring.
- It does give you the edge when you put the proper fuel in your tank. Education is the key to everything and you enjoy educating others by working as a substitute teacher. Do you feel a responsibility to act as a positive role model for kids to look up to?
Most definitely, I try to be a positive role model at all times for kids. I mean I am human, like anyone else and I have my moments, but a lot of the decisions I make are based on how I feel kids would look at me. I have talked to a lot of kids about things such as pregnancy, drugs, etc. I talked a 14 yr old girl out of wanting to have a baby a few months ago. Kids today, need positive role models in their lives.
- That's really good to hear. So since two of your loves are to teach elementary aged children and martial arts, could you ever see yourself opening a martial arts studio? (Perhaps with a gym, hair salon & nutritional health studio attached?)
Hey, you want to go into business together? let's do it !!!!!!!
- Okay! I'll never have to do my own hair and nails again!
I would like to teach eventually but I have no interest in making my own fight team right now or martial arts studio. I want to concentrate on myself and see what I am capable of at the current time. Perhaps down the road, but who knows? The thing is that if I were to open my own place, my training would go down the tubes and I wouldn't have the level of training partners I have now.
- That's very true. Unfortunately some areas of your life have to be put on hold as you set your priorities to reach your goals. I hear ya! What's your philosophy on life Mike?
Short and sweet.....what you put into something is what you get out of it. I believe in following your dreams and never giving up on them. When I was 15 and a fat unathletic kid, I could not have imagined I would be where I am right now. I can honestly say that 95% of where I am right now has come through hard work and believing in myself. I had people laugh and say I would never be at the top level of the sport but yet here I am on the brink of making it big. I doubted myself once or twice, but I eliminated those thoughts and pushed on. I'm always striving to learn and make myself a better fighter. I don't let other people distract me or get in the way of what I want.
- Yep, it has taken a lot of will and determination on your part. You have a hard pressed set of work ethics which is a very admirable trait. Which qualities do you most admire in other people?
I like honest, caring people. People that are not selfish and do what they can to help others. I like the people who give instead of always taking. Right now I am looking for a children's hospital or some place where I can give back to people and help the less fortunate. I would really like to volunteer to spend time w/ cancer patients or children w/ other problems who could use a smile to help them get through the day.
The people I am living with right now in Iowa are really making sacrifices for me. They accepted me into their home where they have 4 kids and 2 pets and my friends wife is a babysitter w/ like 10 kids! Luckily I have been in elementary schools so I am used to it. They gave me my own room and they are going out of their way for me. They are letting me live here until I save up enough money to get my own place and pay some expenses that I have. These are the kind of people that mean a lot to me. They are treating me like one of their own and do everything possible for me to get on my feet.
- It means so much to have visitors to cheer you up when you're not fortunate to have your health. Your adoptive Iowa family sounds like fun! LOL It's nice of them to allow you to stay till you get on your feet.. I'm sure you hear some funny expressions coming from all those little squirts running around. What's your favorite quote?
Did you see the quote at the bottom of all my posts? It's by Dan Gable and it is my favorite for sure. Dan Gable is a legend and a big inspiration to me. Are you familiar with Dan Gable?
- Nope, but I'm aware of him now! He appears to be a very inspirational man, so thanks for sharing.
"It's human nature to find an easy way of doing things, nothing replaces hard work."
Dan Gable "Olympic Gold Medallist and former Iowa Wrestling Coach"
- Generally with any sport, athletes get very nervous before the game. I would think a fighter would be nervous right before a match. Do you do any type of relaxation deep breathing exercises or any fashion of mental preparation just prior to getting into that ring?
I don't get nervous. I focus on my goal, my game plan and my strategy for the fight. I remember all the handwork I put in and I'm not going to let the other guy take it away from me.
- Alright, this may sound a tad silly, but I've noticed that most baseball players have varied rituals they perform at the plate when they get up to bat LOL Do you have a ritual that you perform just prior to engaging in a competition or fight?
Let's see, I always visualize the fight happening in my head when in the locker room. I try to see situation and how I will react. I focus on my game plan and my strategy for the fight. I also like to listen to some kind of music to get me going. I know it sounds crazy but I'm actually talking to myself a lot. Like a self motivation type thing....not like crazy screaming, etc...just motivating myself. When I get in the ring or on the mat, I always look in the eyes....they tell you a lot about a person...sometimes you can sense fear or you see a calm. Usually it can help you read a person and see what's about to happen.
- I understand exactly what you're saying. You can tell a lot about someone by looking into their eyes for clues. Your eyes are generally very warm and friendly. However, I noticed they changed dramatically and became extremely intimidating when you fought in Atlantic City. What type of background preparation is done to get you in that frame of mind prior to a fight?
I do change a lot when I'm fighting. I get in this zone where nothing else matters and I'm focused only on my goal. I start to think about all the preparation and sacrifices I made to get here. I think about all the people who believe in me and put time and effort into me. For instance, CHOKE has put a lot into me and I wouldn't' be where I am today if it were not for him. He's a true friend who believes in me and supports me no matter what. How could I come out of the ring and look at him knowing I didn't put my all into something that he sacrificed for. When I think about that other guy trying to take my dreams away, it makes me angry. He's trying to take something away from me that I worked my whole life for. I don't want to let anyone down that helped me either. I want to win for myself, but also for everyone who believed.
- Yep, I've noticed that CHOKE is a good friend to you and you're a good friend to him as well, so it goes both ways. Many people never experience true friendship in their lifetime. Cherish it You have mention several times that your family has been a constant support system for you as well. I find it extremely endearing that you're proud of your bonds with your family & friends. And that you hold in your heart the sacrifices they have made for you in order to help you reach for your dreams. My feeling is that they would be proud of you whether you became a world champion or not. Is that so?
My family would be proud of me no matter what. The other day my mom broke down and cried saying that she knew this is something that I have to do for myself but not to forget how much she loves me, how proud of me she is and that I always have a place back home if it doesn't work out for me.
- Now that's a really good Mom! Some of us are lucky enough to have two Moms like her ;) But, your close friends would be proud of you no matter what too. As a matter of fact, they're proud of you already.. This was posted just recently by Choke in your Journal on BM.
From: XChoke3
This impressed me so much I cut and pasted it from MMA.tv. This is a post from X World Champ and pound for pound one of the greatest fighters ever Jens Pulver !!
From: Jens Pulver
Date: 02/26/04 12:01 AM
Member Since: 01/01/2001
It has been great to have Mike in there, I see his dedication and know that he is for real. that is the
fastest way to get repsect, show the people there that you are for real. Talent is second to those who have heart and desire, I still remember Tim Sylvia crawling to the garbage to throw up daily for the first week, and poor Tony and his legs. You see so many show up for a day or two and call it quits and that is not what is needed. ? Hell I remember when I was first there I got my ass handed to me daily but I was there in the morning and I slept there in the afternoon only to wake up to pats kids class screaming and then it was time for the evening session. Mike you know that you have the respect of the team and I personally would love to see you represent yourself and the MFS crew in your upcoming fight. I am not always the most talkative in there but I do like to see people like Mike working their ass off and getting in there to do it again the next day, it is inspiring to say the least. I will see some of you tomorrow.
Jens
- Your friends are excited for you and want you to succeed for your own personal feeling of accomplishment.. not what they have invested in you. Speaking of success, which personality traits have you noticed that all successful Reality Fighters have in common?
I would say the will to win, heart and the ability to put your ego aside and learn from others.
- How often do you re-assess your goals and re-evaluate your values relative to the fighting arena then?
I always have short term goals, like win this tournament or win that fight, etc but my main goal has always been the same. To get to the UFC or Pride. It is the top level of MMA competition in the world. I have been heading there since I was about 16-17.
- You'll have a lot of interesting stories to tell someday. Write them down! LOL It's interesting how everyone has their own techniques too.. What's your personal favorite technique?
Honestly I do not have a favorite technique. I take whatever my opponent gives me. I try to be well rounded for the situation and be prepared for anything that can happen in a fight. I have about 5 moves that I really am good at submission wise and a few standup striking combos that I prefer, but I can't reveal them :)
- Okay, I understand. Do you consider yourself a Fighter, Athlete or a Martial Artist?
Actually I think I am all three of them, but if I had to pick one I would pick fighter because that is my main pursuit and goal. To be the best fighter I can be. Remember, I consider myself a role model also for children and I like that role. I love to know that kids look up to me and that I can impact their lives in a positive way.
- What fighter out there is a good example of who you feel reflects your style?
I don't think there is one fighter who is exactly like me. I think I have a similar style to a few different fighters. I really couldn't answer this one. I think my game is unique because a lot of guys my size can't do the things I can on the ground. I have freaky flexibility and agility for a 205 lbs fighter. Most guys my size don't have a good guard game, yet I am very comfortable there. My wrestling is good and my striking is getting better everyday.
- Well, how would you describe your style as a fighter?
I am a very hard working fighter. I apply 110% of my time into learning and developing myself. I am very open minded and try to soak everything up that people show me. It doesn't matter if it is a world champion or a first day student. I take everything into consideration and use what works for me. I consider myself a very well rounded conditioned fighter w/ a lot of heart. I think that is a tough combination to beat. I think I am aggressive and good at asserting my will on the other person.
- Which is harder Boxing or MMA?
For me it is harder to compete in boxing because it is a one dimensional sport. I am a well rounded fighter and do it all. If I limit myself to just boxing it makes it harder for me. I don't train only as a boxer. I have to find time to train all my other disciplines also. I think mixed martial Arts is a harder sport mentally and physically to prepare for because of the diversity but boxing is harder on your head due to the pounding you take over 12 rounds. Boxers don't have the option to take a guy down and neutralize the other guys punching.
- Yikes Mike! Then who would you say are your role models as fighters and competitors?
I like the people who lay it all on the line. I like the guys who go after every fight w/ 100% intensity and confidence they will win. I am not a fan of the type of fighter who ducks people or makes excuses. A guy I always looked up to growing up in the martial arts was Ken Shamrock. I am now in Iowa at Team Miletich Fighting Systems. These guys are warriors and the way they train is insane. This is the place to be if I want to take my fight game to the next level.
- You have to have a lot of heart to make it in Iowa! From the time you began training in the martial arts at the age of 15, what is the most treasured item you have received so far?
I have lots of medals, a belt, a sword, trophies, ribbons, certificates, etc.....So far, nothing really stands out to me. April 3rd it will be that big belt that they give me
- There you go lots of confidence.. I love it! Throughout your 9 years of training, have you earned any nicknames along the way?
Some nicknames have been Cies, Big Daddy, White Mike Tyson, nothing else that really sticks out. I'm looking for that nickname now, I will have a good one in a few months.
- I have a good one for you! (edited along with half the non-fighting dialog in this interview  )
- As with anything, the anticipation in regard to what to truly expect during your first Pro fight must have been great. Now that you've 'been there, done that', does it give you even more confidence?
My confidence level is sky high. I was not afraid to fight anyone before, now that I am with Team MFS in Iowa my confidence has jumped even more. I'm training with so many national champs, all Americans, pro's and UFC world champs. We have guys come to this gym from all over the world. At the same time I came in this week there was another guy from North Carolina and talk of someone else from Croatia coming soon who is already one of the best on the planet.
- The opportunities you are being given to workout with these guys is fantastic! Based on your debut experience, has it also given you different perspective on what you need to do in respect with your training for your next fight?
My training is all taken care of where I am right now in Iowa. These guys take training to the next level. Where I was on the East Coast was good solid training, but the level here and the way we train here is light yrs. beyond anywhere else.
- In your next fight, you were initially scheduled to challenge Shannon McGee for the belt. He wasn't available for the April 3rd fight when the bout was offered. Then you were scheduled to fight Hazeem Ibrahim. That's been cancelled. It's a real rollercoaster ride! How much do you study and try to learn about your opponent prior to a fight?
The event didn't change, just the match ups but that is the same with any fight card. That happens very often in the fight world along with the cancelled fights. I have more fights lined up. I am one of those guys who does like to a watch tape on my opponent. I have my game plan ready for him, just like I will have a game plan for each of my future opponents...now I just got to get in shape.
- And people can just check your journal for the latest updates anyway. I'm not suggesting for you to give away secrets you may know about any of your opponent's weaknesses, but what do you know about Hazeem Ibrahim?
I know what to expect and I know what to do to beat him.
- Okay, but you generally train your own way style and don't specifically change your training to train for opponent based on his history, right? I mean, Ibrahim probably knows you've been scoping him out and that you'll be expecting certain moves from him when you eventually do fight him. Do fighters ever change their style to throw their opponents off?
I train in all styles and for all situations so I'm never surprised but yes I do try to formulate a game plan for certain opponents.
- And by training with Pat Miletich, the former five time UFC middleweight champion of the world, I'm sure that team will have you well prepared. That's quite an honor and I have been following your daily entries in your training journal to watch your progress.
Mike's training journal from MFS.
http://www.beyondmass.com/forums/sh...=&threadid=6124
Your training is extremely intense. It's actually pretty brutal. Can you give me an example of what your day's like?
10:00 am-11:00 am - Weights and cardio
11:00 am-1:00 pm - Light sparring, technique training the rest of the day, guys are in and out doing their own training with each other.
6:00 pm-8:00 pm- Each night is different.....one night is live MMA training, another wrestling, another submission grappling, another boxing/kickboxing.....it is the real deal....you really take a beating during these sessions.
- How long does a fighter generally stay at a training facility to train? Will you be living there through-out your fighting career? How does that work?
I am staying w/ a friend right now, I am looking for my own apt. as we speak. I might stay here a little while. My buddy wants me around for motivation, his wife and kids like me......they are really great people and they are giving me the chance to save some cash while I live here. I will stay here as long as it takes for me to reach my goals.......as of now, I am here for the long haul.
- Which will keep you highly disciplined and on top of your game. I know you're very impressed with the contents of their gym by posts you have in your journal. Does the MFS training facility have any unique strategies, training methods or techniques you find impressive?
Everything! You would have to see it to believe it...this place is unreal. Everything they do is impressive. There are so many world class athletes in the same building, it is like a dream come true for me.
- You'll also be preparing for your upcoming light heavy weight fights while you're there. Will your training differ from the other 'trainees there because you have a fight scheduled?
Not really, I might get some extra work in but for the most part it will be the same as everyone else. There are at least 5-6 other guys here right now that have big fights coming up so everyone is basically just training hard all the time. The other guys train just as hard also because we are a team and even if you don't have a fight, you are training hard to help your teammates. It works out well for everyone.
- Is this an accurate assumption? When your management team keeps you active, every time you step into a ring you're learning more things, gaining more experience. You learn to recognize certain fears & eventually overcome them. But, if you're not fighting on a regular basis, it could be detrimental to your
career because your confidence level wouldn't be the same as someone who has become 'comfortable' in the
ring.
You hit the nail on the head there sweetie pie
- There's no question in my mind that heart, dedication, extremely hard & varied training, experience, proper nutrition and rest are the essential ingredients to becoming a champion. However, is the secret to actually reaching a successful MMA career determined by your management team and promoters?
It is determined by a combination of the things you said and also by your team, manager and promoters. A good team, manager and promoter will bring you along in the fight game the right way. You take a bunch of fights you know you can win and work your way up, kind of like working up a flight of stairs in a way. You don't just jump from bottom to top, you take each stair in stride and that is they way I want to be too. This way I get experience and keep winning. When I get to the highest level, I will know I am ready. Although I do have a title fight coming up, I think I can 100% beat my opponent. I wouldn't take the fight if I didn't.
- Oh, okay then you have the deciding vote. We all know how fight match-ups sometimes change at the last minute in Reality Fighting due to injuries, etc. Who is on your Top 5 wish-list to fight?
Right now, in the show I am in I would like to fight: Shannon McGee, Hazeem Ibrahim, Jose Rodriguez, Dante Rivera and Anderson DeCastro.
- Do you have any ambition to fight internationally? If you go to Japan, can I come along as your nutritionist?
I would love to go to Japan. That is a main goal of mine and I know that someday I will be there. Japan is the only place I really want to fight at outside the USA. Yes, I would love to bring you with me as a nutritionist.
- I'm sorry that I couldn't leave your entire response, but I will say that you will certainly make that a memorable trip Let's go into dream land for another moment.. is there a particular fighter out there that you need to beat in order to satisfy your own competitiveness in order to convince yourself that you've earned the right to say, 'Damn, I REALLY am the best!' ?
Oh yeah, I have always had this thing for Tito Ortiz, I have never liked him as a fighter and I don't think I ever will. It's not that I know him personally, I'm sure he is a good guy and he does a lot for charity but I don't like the way he carries himself or the attitude he has towards opponents. I feel he is very disrespectful at times. I am not on his level yet but in the next 3 yrs I feel I will be close. I am training w/ the best team in the world.
- Since you have now taken yourself to a new level in MMA, what do you feel is the key element in a successful fighter's personality that separates and propels them into becoming a champion?
Honestly, the most important thing is to put your ego aside. I learn from beginners sometimes by the things the do or the way they move. I learn from everyone, I leave my ego at the door when I enter the gym and try to soak up everything I can to improve myself. I look objectively at what I have learned and I see if it will fit my game or my style of fighting. If it does I adapt it . You can't be a "know it all" kind of guy or you won't be around long.
- That's got to be quite a sight to be in the same gym full of guys who have made it that far on their confidence. Do you have any other thoughts you want to add about your upcoming fights?
Come out and support me.....my next fight will be a big night for me, as they all are and hopefully I don't let all my friends and family down.
- Best of luck to you in your future fight endeavors Mike. You have a great training team, supportive family and friends and most importantly, you're getting to do what you really want to do at this point in your life. Gotta luv it! 
Note:
- XChoke3 along with being one of Mike's good friends, he's also one of the administrators of www.beyondmass.com .
* Article by Sachet, Moderator @ www.BeyondMass.com
* Back to Issue #7 Frontpage
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