Although falling short on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs Team Miller, featherweight contender Steven Siler has reaped the benefits from his experience on the show. Making his official UFC debut at UFC on Fox 2: Evans vs. Davis in January of this year, he proved his credibility with an impressive victory over Cole Miller. Hoping to continue his win streak, Siler looks onward to the tough obstacles that lie ahead as he makes his ascension up the ranks.
Fight Hub TV talks with “Super”and he breaks down his time on the show and his future road in the UFC.
As a competitor on the TUF what are the benefits a fighter gets from the experience, instead a fighter entering the promotion directly?
Steven Siler: The biggest upside is the exposure you get for the amount of time you’re on TV every week letting the fans to get to know you.
How has the experience motivated you through your venture in the company?
Steven Siler: I’ve always been motivated but it did get me to appreciate what I have outside the house that helps me get ready to fight mentally.
Being a relatively new fighter to Zuffa, how do you tackle the challenges the UFC has to offer?
Steven Siler: Same as I did when I wasn’t in the UFC and just know every fight is my hardest fight and the guy across from me wants to knock my head off.
Do you feel with your experience that your presence in the company was long overdue?
Steven Siler: I thought it was but looking back at it I’m glad I had to wait as long as I did, I’m more a complete fighter now then I was.
Your debut in the UFC saw you earning the unanimous decision over Cole Miller. Talk to us a little about your mindset going into this fight which you felt gave you the win?
Steven Siler: I knew that was a fight I could win if I stuck to the game plan and I was very confident going into the fight.
Coming off this victory over a veteran like Miller, how does it play a role in your training and preparing for your next fight?
Steven Siler: I just saw some of the mistakes I made and hope to fix them in training and hope I come out better the next fight, there’s always room to improve, also training with Court McGee, Ramsey Nijem, Rad Martinez and Brock Jardine and all the others to The Pit: Elevated have different styles and help me prepare for all styles.
Going into this upcoming fight with Joey Gambino, what are some things you hope to improve after watching the performance of your last fight?
Steven Siler: I really want a finish I don’t care if it comes by sub or KO; I just want to get a finish.
Every fighter on the UFC roster wants to become champion. For you personally, what makes this goal so important to fulfill on a professional and personal standpoint in your career?
Steven Siler: I have been fighting for a long time and to fill fully complete as if all the work I’ve put in to this career has paid off you need that belt.
Finally for fans that may not know, tell them what makes you a force to be reckoned with in the 145 lb. division?
Steven Siler: I’m a big 45er and good everywhere and comfortable no matter where the fight goes.
Anyone you would like to thank before we close this interview?
Steven Siler: thanks to The Pit: Elevated fight team and coaches and make sure everyone follows me @stevesiler on twitter.
