Rick Hawn “Being Champion For Me Means I’m Coming Into My Own and Solidifying My Career”

by Monta Wiley

Dominating the competition since the start of the Bellator Lightweight tournament, Judo Olympian Rick Hawn was a man hell bent on proving what separates his talents from the rest of the Bellator lightweight roster. With the mission of winning the tournament now complete, Hawn sets his sights on a new course in his upcoming fight against Michael Chandler for the lightweight title.
Fight Hub TV got the opportunity to catch up with Hawn as he discusses his journey through the lightweight tournament and his new objective of obtaining the championship belt.

FHTV: Looking back on your past misfortunes prior to your entry into the tournament, would you say those hardships was your motivational push heading into the competition?

Rick Hawn: Coming up short in the finals to Jay Heiron was the biggest motivation for me heading into the tournament. I feel my drop in weight class made a huge difference this time around which allowed me to perform my best show everyone that I’m not a fluke.

FHTV: As you made your advancement into each round what was going through your mind along each step?

Rick Hawn: The thing that was on my mind was to stay focus on the task at hand. I had a lot of interviews ask me about winning the tournament and Michael chandler but over I was just focused on the next match during the tournament.

FHTV: Now you’ve had an impressive performance in each match and it seemed you were able to impose your will on each of your opponents. Was that your game plan going against each fighter?

Rick Hawn: It was a little bit of both. I stuck to my game plan while picking apart the weaknesses of my opponent with the help of my coach Firas Zahbi.

FHTV: Who would you say was your toughest opponent during the tournament?

Rick Hawn: All of the opponents were great however considering the first to matches were early stoppages the toughest fight in the tournament I would have to say was Brent Weedman because he is a great fighter that is very durable with a ton of experience.

FHTV: Now accomplishing you goal of winning the tournament you are now on a course to fight for the tittle. How does it feel to reach this point and what do you think it say about Rick Hawn the fighter?

Rick Hawn: It means that everything is coming together in my four year career in this sport.

FHTV: Going into the title fight you will be going against the Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler. Establishing his own successful lane in the fight game, how are you planning on stand up to this formidable champion?

Rick Hawn: Michael Chandler is a very tough guy and a great athlete with an undefeated record however I don’t feel he has ever fought an opponent like myself.

FHTV: Going into the title fight you will be going against the Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler. Establishing his own successful lane in the fight game, how are you planning on stand up to this formidable champion?

Rick Hawn: Michael Chandler is a very tough guy and a great athlete with an undefeated record however I don’t feel he has ever fought an opponent like myself.

FHTV: What would you say is your biggest asset over Michael Chandler?

Rick Hawn: I know he has tons of experience as a collegiate wrestler but I have been traveling at over the world for 15 years competing at the elite level which gives me the edge in this fight.

FHTV: Finally define Rick Hawn as Bellator Lightweight Champion?

Rick Hawn: Being champion for me means I’m coming into my own and solidifying my career. It also helps in my push toward becoming amongst the best fighters in the world.