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1. You recently got a chance to try out for the Ultimate Fighter, without giving away too much can you tell us about your time preparing for the tryouts? Where did you train to prepare yourself for the tryouts?
M: The tryouts are always an amazing experience. This was my 3rd time trying out so I knew what to expect. As far as training goes I was still in great shape from a two month trip to my second home in Thailand, Tiger Muay Thai. Once I got back home to Savannah and my gym Champions Training Center, I took the training from Thailand and pushed it right into the camp for the tryouts. Kru Brian Robertson kept my Muay Thai sharp and National Champion wrestler Zach Williams helped me strengthen my takedown defense. Hungry up and comers like Audrius Smaginus, Stephen Bass, Wes Barnes and Robert Beecher made sure that my ground game was on point so I really had no fear when I got to Vegas for the tryouts. I am a product of Lloyd Irvin and Manu Ntoh, so I feel like I have one of the most diverse set of skills in the game.
2. Can you also tell us a little about your experience and what it was like going through the tryouts?
M: The tryouts are always a battle to stand out the most. I think I did that well and let everyone, including Dana and Joe Silva, I should be in the mix. In the grappling rounds I was able to sweep and pass my opponents guard. The goal in this round was to keep it high paced and exciting. Cartwheel guard passes and fast paced open guard made that happen. Then it was on to the striking round. I was able to bring my pad holder with me and I can honestly say that no one in my group was even close to my level of striking ability. After the striking round if Dana and Joe like what they see you move on the interview with the Spike TV execs. The first thing the Spike exec called me was Osama because of the Palestinian scarf I was wearing. Hahaha. Evidently they liked my activist/political point of view because I got a ticket to Vegas for a second interview.
So Vegas is all about medicals and the second interview with the guys from Spike. I am pretty sure they have a policy against casting an intelligent black person. Hahaha. I guess if you aren’t barking and beating your chest then you have no hope of making it on; Just kidding Spike TV, I still love you. Call me. So it’s onward and upward. Big things are on the horizon and I can’t wait to attack it.
3. What did the talent level look like through the tryouts, I mean did you see guys trying out that made you ask what the heck is this guy doing here? Was it like American Idol?
M: There were some amazing athletes there but as always there were some guys that definitely did not belong there. I am pretty sure that there were about 300 bleached or dyed Mohawks in the room. So a lot of guys were there as circus acts and not as fighters. The scary thing is I am sure a few of them will be on the show.
4. Sounds like you also just signed a new deal with a management company can you tell us anything about that?
M: Nothing is finalized but let’s just say that I am dealing with people that can make sure I get where I want to be.
5. Tell us what the MMA World should expect from you this year because I already know but for those that do not?
M: Big things are popping ladies and gentlemen. The people that are working for me are doing the right things. I am working my way to the top of the lightweight division one victim at a time! If I don’t stop my opponents I won’t consider it a win. My goal in life this year is to hurt cats. I have already set the standard with my last three fights. Three fights, three stoppages! Bring on the next one.
