By Monta Wiley
Through his battles in and out of the cage, former UFC welterweight contender Brian Foster has always been a fighter willing to meet any challenge put in front of him. Making his debut to the UFC in 2009, Foster has excited fans with spectacular performances across the globe clearly making his claim as one of the top welterweights in the world. His rise to the top would be met with some unexpected setbacks however due to a series of injuries sidelining him for the majority of the year (2011), ultimately leading him to be cut from the UFC.
Not letting the experience put a halt in his future aspirations, theOklahomanative made a huge comeback in September with two victories in a two week time span over formidable opponents. Hoping to continue his ascent back to the top now signed with Bellator the former UFC star spoke with Fight Hub TV about his journey to the Bellator Fighting Championship.
FHTV: With a successful run in the UFC, was it a surprise that you were not let back into the organization after recovering from your injuries?
Brain Foster: Considering the severity of the injury I wasn’t surprised. It is a very uncommon thing to do what they done but I guess they were weary cause of insurance and other things but overall it didn’t surprise me at all.
FHTV: With all the hurdles you’ve had to endure this year. What has kept Brian Foster motivated through those tough times?
Brain Foster: The will to compete and love for fighting. It’s rare for someone to get to do what they love and get paid for it. I just love getting in the gym training and going to compete, it’s something I like to put myself around and stay busy with. Fighting is my motivation.
FHTV: You made your return to action back in September again Jason Manson, how did it feel to be back in action?
Brain Foster: It felt great. Anytime you come back from a long lay-off and win in the fashion that I won it’s always a great feeling like everything that I went through wasn’t for nothing. I trained hard for the fight with Sean Pearson and when I didn’t get a chance to compete it ate me up to be 9 months on the bench but I overcome it, got the victory and started climbing my way back up the ladder.
FHTV: It’s very rare fighters compete in a 2 week period. Coming off two successful victories in a 2 week time span, how important was it for you to build your career back up after the long lay-off?
Brain Foster: It was very important. Before the injury I was coming off two UFC wins, so I wanted to keep that momentum going. I put forth a lot of effort before the injury and I wanted show I’m not the type of guy who slacks off. I want to keep building and get back to where I was. Fighting back to back like that doesn’t bother me at all because I like staying active and I love to fight. If I’m healthy I want to be fighting. Of course if I’m injured then there is room for time off but for the most part I want to be fighting.
FHTV: You recent success eventually landed you a deal with Bellator Fighting Championship, how do you feel being apart of the organization and where do you hope this new venture will take you?
Brain Foster: I don’t know exactly where it will take me but I know it will take me up. Overall I am ecstatic to be apart of Bellator, I heard nothing but great things about them over the years. I’m honored to be apart of what they are building and I think my partnership with them will play an important role in MMA.
FHTV: Bellator is known for their stacked welterweight division, how do you feel you fair against the competition?
Brain Foster: I match up really well in the division. These are guys who are coming to win just like in any other organization. They are the best in the world at what they do and I fit right in there with them. It’s going to be some great fights and I’m just happy to be apart of it.
FHTV: Finally what should fans expect to see from Brian Foster when you step in the cage?
Brain Foster: They should expect the same thing from me as they did in the UFC. I approach every fight the same way as any individual situation whether I am the underdog or whatever. It’s the same way I approach any problem in life head on. I’m coming with all I got, so if I get beat I guess it wasn’t my day but I’m bringing the best Brian Foster to Bellator that I’ve ever been.
FHTV: Well that wraps up the interview Brian thank you for your time. Would you like to give any shout outs?
Brain Foster: My trainer Mark Fiore, Springfield , my team Fiore MMA, my brother Marcus Penland, my kids, my mom, my family in Oklahoma, and all my friends and fans that stood behind me through the hard times and stuck it out with me.
