Sometimes it takes a lot of hard work and a little persuasion to get ahead as a mixed martial arts fighter. It only seemed like yesterday when Pat “Bam Bam” Healy started his journey in MMA over a decade ago. Traveling through various routes his arrival to the Strikeforce organization cemented a very prominent moment not only in his career but also in the lightweight division.
Rapidly ascending the ladder it would take the dismemberment of five world class athletes to finally get recognition by his peers and superiors as an individual to be taken seriously.
Hoping to obtain more prestige in the physical form, his next task finds him faced with the greatest challenge of his career in a Lightweight title match against current champion Gilbert Melendez.
FHTV: Everyone in MMA works hard to achieve their ultimate goals. When it comes to hard work how does it define Pat Healy?
Pat Healy: I feel to be fully committed to MMA hard work has to become part of your lifestyle and not just something that you do getting ready for a fight. The greatest strides for me happen when I don’t have a fight scheduled and my hard work is focused on getting better.
FHTV: You have had a great successful run in the Strikeforce organization. How would you rate the overall competition that got you to this point?
Pat Healy: I think the level of competition in Strikeforce is as good as any organization out there. We may not have the depth that the UFC has but I feel like that is because of the amount of events that the UFC has. The top athletes in Strikeforce are as good as any out there.
FHTV: Now with each victory did it instill any type of motivation that you may one day fight for the title?
Pat Healy: Every victory that you have definitely brings motivation for an eventual title shot. That is what I have always been working for and has always been on my radar. The most powerful thing I think each victory brings is momentum. When you have momentum on your side everything else things to fall into place.
FHTV: With such a long period of waiting of getting a that golden opportunity do you feel you were overlooked by the organization at any point?
Pat Healy: No I just felt like there were a lot of athletes in my way before I got the title shot. I had to build a reputation with the organization and with the fan base that follows Strikeforce.
FHTV: Now finally getting that opportunity, how does it feel to fight for the title?
Pat Healy: To me it feels like everything has come together for this title shot. I feel like it is my time and I am mentally and physically ready to be a champion. I am extremely excited to have this opportunity and is really motivating.
FHTV: Now Gilbert Melendez has been on major roll as champion. How do you plan to dethrone this formidable opponent?
Pat Healy: I sought out great people such as BJ Penn, Josh Thomson and George Sotoropolis to help me prepare. I also worked a great deal with Matt Lindland, who is my long time coach, on putting together the proper game plan to win the fight and take advantage of any weakness Melendez might have.
FHTV: Having your share of many ups and downs throughout your career with all that you have been through what does winning the Strikeforce title mean to you?
Pat Healy: It means everything to me. It will be justification for all the hard times I had in my career and all the hard work I have put in. I have always strived to be a champion and I have always believed in myself and I want to show everyone what I am capable of.
FHTV: Finally what type of champion do you see yourself representing Strikeforce?
Pat Healy: I don’t feel like the title would change me much. I am always gonna be the same person and the belt will just be an accessory.
FHTV: Is there anyone you would like to thank before we end this interview?
Pat Healy: I would just like to thank my teammates at Team Quest, all the boyz in Hilo who helped me prepare and anyone who has supported me.
