By Monta Wiley
Every fighter has experienced a low points in their career. It is to be expected with all of the twist and turns the sport of Mixed Martial Arts has to offer. The last times fans saw UFC middleweight contender Mike Massenzio he was on the receiving end of a submission loss against Rousmir Palhares at UFC 142.
Like so many times before the New Jersey native has some way been able to rise from the rubble of oppression as a stronger individual. He is now Focused, determined and confident, not letting the loss affect his future aspirations. Massenzio has his eyes set on his next encounter against Karlos Vermola at UFC on FOX 3 as he hopes to bulldoze through the opposition in his quest for the UFC gold.
In this exclusive interview Fight Hub TV takes an in-depth look into the mind and heart of Mike Massenzio as he reveals his inner strength of motivation when faced with tough times in his career.
FHTV: Looking back to your arrival in the UFC what would you say has been the biggest contribution toward your ability to stay current in the company?
Mike Massenzio: I would have to say my work ethic and stepping up taking big fights is the biggest contribution. The UFC likes it when guys step up to take big fights. I feel this is where I belong because in order to be the best you got to bet the best and I want to be the BEST.
FHTV: Now last time fans saw you, you suffered a loss against Rosemir Palhares. Take us through the encounter and your overall feelings about the fight ?
Mike Massenzio: Well..I trained really hard for the Palhares fight. Even when I look back I felt really confident going into the fight. The fight was one of those situations where the first person that makes a mistakes loss and I did due to be getting caught in one of his specialties which is leg locks. Overall the biggest thing for me is to move forward and use the loss to motivate me through my MMA journey.
FHTV: Experiencing a balance of wins and loses what lessons has Mike Massenzio taken from each encounter?
Mike Massenzio: Every fight is definitely an experience for life and in the sport of MMA. Each fight I feel I have evolved and gotten better. Whether it was injuries or loses, these incidents have tested me mentally and physically because in order to be the best you have to dedicate your whole life in this sport if you hope to obtain the great reward this sport has to offer.
FHTV: Through these lessons what keeps you motivated through the highs and lows this career has given you?
Mike Massenzio: Growing up I came from nothing. Coming from a broken down family and wrestling my whole life. Ever since I started this MMA experience I’ve been living on my own since I was 18 years old. The overall experience has taught me to never give up and never quit. My goal in this sport is to become a world champion and every time I get that satisfaction of having my hand raised keeps me motivate through this journey.
FHTV: Continuing your driven ambitions, you will fighting Karlos Vemola at “UFC on Fox 3”. What do you know about your opponent and how do you plan to push the fight in your favor ?
Mike Massenzio: I know he comes from a wrestling background. Karlos is a great fighter who happens to possess the same skill and mindset that I do. My plans going into this fight is to go out there and give it everything I got and be ready for anything.
FHTV: What type of mental and physical changes will fans see in you as oppose to your past fights?
Mike Massenzio: I have never been more motivated for a fight ever in my life. Stepping in front of my hometown and home fans in the same arena where I won my first state high school wrestling titles defiantly makes me hungry to step up to show the world who I am and show them I have the ability to compete at the highest level.
FHTV: Finally looking onward, there is bound to be hurdles you will have to overcome in your ascent to the top. In a nutshell what makes the daily grind worth the struggle?
Mike Massenzio: Fighting for the UFC is the best organization in the world. The overall satisfaction of getting your hand raised after all the hard work you put in not proves those that doubt me wrong but all I use it as a way to show the kids you can do anything you put your mind too.
FHTV: Before we end this interview would you like to thank anyone?
Mike Massenzio: I would like to thank AMA Fight Team, Iron Horse Fight Team, all of my training partners, and everyone that stuck behind me through the good and bad times.
