http://hacnews.com/rashadevansinterview.html
Rashad Evans Chats With HACNews
By: Luis Cruz
I caught up with Rashad Evans last night to discuss a variety of topics including Tito Ortiz and their first meeting in detail, rumor killer on rematch in October, new Pride talent in UFC and how he matches up with each of them, his predictions on some of the upcoming fights including UFC 74 this Saturday, and much more.
LC: This is Luis Cruz for HACNews.com. I'm joined by one of UFC's top Light-Heavyweight contenders, "Sugar" Rashad Evans. What's going on, man?
RE: Not much man, just chilling in my room in Mandalay Bay. That's about it.
LC: Real quick, let me ask you a question. We talked about your nickname "Sugar" before. Who'd you say came up with that? It was one of your trainers?
RE: Yeah, Mike Van Arsdale.
LC: I think you should let the HACNews staff come up with a new one for you.
RE: Yeah? What's that?
LC: I got a couple of options. We got "Rabid" Rashad Evans, you could bite people during fights and leave a mark. We've got Rashad "Everlasting" Evans, "Rambo" Rashad Evans...
RE: (Laughs)
LC: The last one is, Rashad "Don't call me Forrest Whitaker" Evans.
RE: Oh, Forrest Whitaker, oh that's wrong man! (Laughs)
LC: (Laughs) Just playing, let's get to business. The first thing I'm going to talk about, everybody keeps talking about, the first fight with Tito Ortiz. Real quick, squash that rumor. Rematch in October?
RE: The rematch has not been scheduled yet. Not in October. It was never scheduled to be there. I was never approached about it.
LC: You think that fight's going to happen this year?
RE: I hope it happens this year. I'm pretty sure it'll happen. But I don't know. I really hope it gets done. You know?
LC: We're going to go back and talk about the first fight here real quick. Why were you so tentative to go after Tito? Were you overly worried about his wrestling or take-downs?
RE: I wasn't at first, but after that first take-down, I was kind of like "Aw man" I just wanted to plant my feet, but after that I was a little more tentative on the take downs.
LC: There was a bit of a size difference we talked about (yesterday). Was that a problem for you at all?
RE: Um, no, it wasn't a problem. He was big. He was strong. But as the fight went on, he felt like everybody else. I felt much bigger. I felt much stronger. Brad Imes was much bigger and stronger, but Tito was definitely strong too.
LC: As the fight progressed, you obviously got more confident. You had the second round where he held onto the cage. You could've had a couple of takedowns in that round. You got caught in a guillotine. What happened there, and how tight was it?
RE: What happened there, I knew there was not much time left on the clock. I took him down and I heard Big John say something. Tito pauses. I pause. Then he snaps on a guillotine. At first it was really tight, but then I put my shoulder into the side then I felt him kind of relax. Then he flips me over and then he gets up and stands over and kicks me a little bit and starts talking shit.
LC: So you weren't in any danger?
RE: Nah, he wasn't going to be able to finish that if he started that choke at the beginning of the round.
LC: What about when he grabbed the cage? Do you think that cost you the round?
RE: Um, it did man. Him grabbing the cage had a huge change in what the fight would've looked like. I would've taken him down. After he got up, he would've been in a different world altogether. So yeah, it definitely changed the fight.
LC: Now in the third round, you had to have known the fight was really close to a draw at that point. Why didn't you go for the finish when Tito was extremely tired?
RE: I didn't really see it like that. I was kind of tired too. I didn't see it like "Oh, okay now!" Like my mom said (In his best imitation mother's voice), "Rashad, I was watching you on TV. And how come when the announcers said 'Rashad's got him finished.' How come you didn't pounce on him?'" I was like "Ma, how the fuck am I supposed to know the announcers said he's finished? I can kind of tell he's winded and tired. But I can't tell he's done."
LC: (Laughs) Is that how your mom talks?
RE: That's what she said. (Laughs)
LC: How would you approach the rematch? Would you have the same game plan? Or would you change some things up?
RE: I'd just be more aggressive. More aggressive at the beginning. Being in a fight of that magnitude definitely wears on you in ways you don't anticipate. As the fight drew closer, I got more and more nervous. It just built up and it affected my performance. I wasn't in that attack mode in the beginning.
LC: In a post-fight interview, Tito had made a couple of comments about you. The first one was he wasn't that impressed with you. He also said you weren't as strong as he thought you were going to be. He thought you were kind of weak. Do you want to reply to that?
RE: Obviously if he couldn't impose his will on me, then that makes him more weak than me or just as strong as me. (Laughs)
LC: Did he impress you at all? Maybe his wrestling or strength?
RE: No, he was a little better than I thought he was going to be. But that's about it.
LC: From A to F, grade your performance in that fight.
RE: In that fight, probably... I don't know. I'd say probably a C+
LC: How's your guys relationship right now? Is there still all that bad blood?
RE: We don't like each other. It's not for show. If I saw him on the street I'd knock him... nah, I wouldn't do that. I'm just joking. I'm a professional athlete. (laughs)
LC: What was the starting point of this feud?
RE: It was at the UFC in April. When he came up to me and tried to put me down. He tried to stand over me and look tough and I wasn't buying into any of that.
LC: You told me he was giving you a couple of stare downs.
RE: Yeah, he walked by me like seven or eight times because he was sitting in the same row just a few seats down. He had a few of his fighters fighting that night. Then he walked by and looked at me and looked away... It was a bunch of childish shit.
LC: Lets say you're able to beat Tito in the rematch, where do you think that puts you in the now, pretty stacked, UFC Light-Heavyweight division?
RE: I really don't pay attention to that. I guess if he was number 2, that really puts me out there. The thing about this game is you're always one fight away from being put out the door. (Laughs) So I really don't know.
LC: Lets say they offered you a title shot, would you take it? Or would you prefer to fight a couple more top tier guys.
RE: I'll take it if they offered me a title shot, but I'm a patient guy. Getting there and getting to that big fight is going to be something in itself. I just want to enjoy myself and going to enjoy the fights. I don't feel a need to rush it.
LC: I'm going to throw a couple names at you from the division. Just tell me your thoughts on them and how you feel you match up against them.
Maurcio "Shogun" Rua.
RE: I think he's a great fighter. I think I match up really well with him. Actually, I think we compliment each other in different areas. I think it'd be an exciting fight.
LC: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
RE: Quinton's a funny, charismatic, cool dude. He was probably one of my favorite fighters for the longest time. It'd be fun to fight him.
LC: Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva
RE: I would love to fight Wanderlei. I mean, he's also one of my favorite fighters. I love the tenacity he brings out there. It's like somebody went out there and just slapped his mama.
LC: (Laughs)
RE: I like that about him. I would love to fight someone like him. Because if you fight somebody like that, it brings out the best in you. I think he'd definitely bring out the best in me.
LC: Dan Henderson
RE: Aw man, I look up to Dan Henderson. Dan Henderson's a cool dude. He's got nothing but kind things to say and he's always cool to be around. We come from the same background. It would be whoever has the best game plan that day.
LC: And finally Chuck Liddell
RE: What more can you say about Chuck? He proves himself time and time again. He's probably one of the best mixed martial arts of all time. He was knocking people out left and right. Seven or eight people, I don't care if you're knocking out cans or not. That's an amazing streak and you can never take away anything he's done. I'd love to fight him too.
LC: I think that's the first time I heard a fighter use the word can in the meaning of fighters. I thought that was only forum people. (Laughs)
RE: (Laughs)
LC: Aside from Tito, is there anybody you'd like to face soon?
RE: Nah. It's never personal enough for me to say, "I want to fight him next." It's just a job. It's never too personal to take it to that level. Whoever I got to fight, I fight
LC: What about the Middleweight division? Do you think you could cut down to 185 and be comfortable at that weight?
RE: Nah, I couldn't do it. I could probably cut down. But I always told myself when I have to start cutting weight and it starts affecting me for my fight, that's when it wouldn't be fun to fight. I always want to keep it fun so I never want to cut weight like that.
LC: So you'd never consider it?
RE: Never say never. Anything can happen, but I wouldn't want to.
LC: You are training with Jackson camp's newest guy, Georges St. Pierre. You're helping him train for his fight against Josh Koscheck, are you the main guy who's helping him with his take-down defense because of you're wrestling.
RE: No, actually, I'm not. Believe it or not, Georges has a wealth of experience when it comes to wrestling. He may not have the credentials like Koscheck and what not, but he's really good on his back. He trains with the Olympic training team in Montreal. He's pretty well rounded when it comes to wrestling.
LC: What are your thoughts on Georges [St. Pierre] as a fighter and how do you see that fight going with Josh [Koscheck]?
RE: I see Georges getting back to his own rhythm. How he does things, quick, precise, on point, really accurate. I see him shutting out Koscheck. I really hope he performs to the best of his ability, because if he does, he'll come out the victor.
LC: Another one of your friends and training partner, Keith Jardine, is taking on Chuck Liddell. What's your outlook on that fight?
RE: I think it's a good fight for Keith because Keith's a hell of a puncher, and I think he has a hell of a chance in that fight. I think he's got a good chance in that fight not because he's my teammate, but because he's had that loss to put him in the right direction make him a better fighter. I like Keith in that fight.
LC: I want to get your quick prediction of other fights coming up. First Dan Henderson vs. Quinton Jackson?
RE: I can't even call it. If he [Jackson] goes out there and fights like he fought Chuck, like the old "Rampage"... if he fights like that, Dan's in trouble. But if he goes out there fighting like he did Shogun, real cautious, I think he's going to be in trouble with Dan. It'll all depend on which "Rampage" shows up.
LC: Shogun taking on Forrest?
RE: For some reason, I'm going with Forrest in this fight. I have this feeling Forrest is going to catch him. I don't know if I've seen it in a dream. But I see Forrest catching him.
LC: You think Forrest has the power to knock Shogun out?
RE: You get caught right by anybody, you can get knocked out. You know what I'm saying? I think if Forrest does what he's supposed to do and stays in the pocket while Shogun gets done attacking, I think he can catch him with a right cross. When Shogun throws those kicks, his hands are down and he doesn't show good defense.
LC: I agree with your take on "Rampage" and Henderson but not that one. (Laughs) Nakamura and Machida.
RE: I can't even call it. I haven't watched either one of them enough to predict the fight.
LC: Some UFC 74 fights now. Randy Couture or Gabriel Gonzaga?
RE: I like Randy Couture. Randy has done a lot since he's been away for a year. He's been around some good guys. I think his ground game is a lot better than people know. I look for him to grind it out and impose his will on him. Fourth round stoppage.
LC: That was my prediction in my UFC 74 break down article also. Bisping and Hamill?
RE: Um, I think Bisping is going to run into some problems. For some reason, I think Hamill is going to get him.
LC: We'll have to disagree there too. Houston Alexander vs. Alessio Sakara?
RE: I don't know. I would've said Houston at one time, but I don't know. I only got to see a minute and thirty seconds of him. He's a very powerful fighter. If he can catch him, Sakara's in trouble.
LC: Mirko Cro Cop and Cheick Kongo
RE: I'm going to go with Mirko.
LC: Now I'm going to do some "Word Association". You give me the first thing that comes to your mind.
LC: Houston Alexander
RE: Explosive. Strong.
LC: Michael Bisping
RE: I don't even know. (Long pause)
LC: Be honest.
RE: I don't know too much about Bisping. Can't really say.
LC: Matt Hamill
RE: Improving. He's definitely going to be tough to take out.
LC: Kimbo Slice
RE: Entertaining. I like him. I want him to make more internet videos.
LC: He's in MMA now.
RE: Yea, I heard he fought Ray Mercer.
LC: Yup, wasn't a great idea to put that on.
RE: I heard. (Laughs)
LC: Moving on, next president of the United States?
RE: Obama, Barrack Obama
LC: Keith Jardine
RE: The mother fuckin' man! Is that too strong of a word? (Laughs)
LC: "Sugar", for now, Rashad Evans
RE: Charismatic. Soon to be Light-Heavyweight champion of the world. (Laughs)
LC: You're way too modest.
This next, new, segment is "True or False". All I want to hear is true or false, no explanations.
RE: Ok.
LC: Rashad Evans is ghetto.
RE: False.
LC: Barry Bonds record is tainted.
RE: True.
LC: Rashad Evans likes to club baby seals.
RE: False. (Laughs)
LC: (Laughs) Just playing.
Steroids are a problem in MMA
RE: False.
LC: Rashad prefers brunettes over blondes.
RE: Uh... true.
LC: The last one is, Seth Petruzelli is hung like a fruit bat.
RE: Hung like a baby. Hung like a newborn baby. (Laughs)
LC: (Laughs) We have to mess our buddy Seth, we still got love for him.
The last segment is "Get2Know Rashad Evans." It's just a series of questions outside of MMA.
Who was your idol growing up, non family member?
RE: Mike Tyson
LC: Tell us the last time you got into a street fight.
RE: I can't say that or I'll incriminate myself. (Laughs) But I was trying to stick up for some girl, trying to defend her honor.
LC: Did you win?
RE: I had to put it on them, man. (Laughs)
LC: Who's your favorite Hollywood actress?
RE: Halle Berry
LC: Who's your favorite football team?
RE: Buffalo Bills
LC: How do you think they're going to do this year?
RE: We're going to the Super Bowl.
LC: Doubt it. (Laughs) The last one is, describe yourself as a person outside of MMA.
RE: Funny, loves people, smart. Did I say beautiful? Beautiful!
LC: Before I let you go, any sponsors you want to mention, anything you want to say to your fans
RE: I would just like to thank all the people who come out to support the sport of MMA. The people who love me. The people who don't. Either way, it's all good. I'd like to thank TapOut, Affliction, everybody.
LC: Well thanks Rashad, good luck in the future with whatever comes up for you, we'll talk again soon.
RE: Thanks Cruz.
LC: Take care.
http://hacnews.com/cungleinterview.html
Cung Le Talks With HACNews
By: Luis Cruz
I recently had an opportunity to catch up with the newest MMA Middleweight sensation, Cung Le. He spoke to me about everything from family to his next fight. A classy and humble fighter, Cung Le fills us in on what got him into mixed martial arts and why he made the transition from K-1, plus much more.
HACNews.com: This is Luis Cruz with an exclusive HACNews interview with the fast rising MMA middleweight star, Cung Le. How are you?
Cung Le: I'm doing good.
HACNews.com: How's your health right now, staying injury free?
Cung Le: I'm good, no injuries.
HACNews.com: Before I get into any of your fights or anything, can you tell people your background, where you started in martial arts?
Cung Le: I come from the traditional martial arts background. I started out in Tae Kwan Do, Vietnamese traditional Kung Fu, and then I started up in Sanshou which is a Chinese form of full contact fighting. It includes boxing, kicking low and high, sweeping, and throwing.
HACNews.com: What age were you when you started that?
Cung Le: I started Tae Kwan Do when I was 10. I did it fast, no more than a year because both my mom and dad were working two jobs that they couldn't get me to practice consistently. I lost interest, but I started again after my second year in college, and that was at the end of '92.
HACNews.com: Did your parents get you into it, or was it you doing your own thing?
Cung Le: My mom got me into martial arts when I was younger. That's because I was getting picked on a lot in school.
HACNews.com: Lets go back to your fight real quick, the Fryklund fight. Did you gain any experience from that fight? It was a pretty dominating performance on your part, but did you take anything out of that fight compared to your previous fights?
Cung Le: Everytime you step in the cage, well everytime I step in the cage, I gain a lot of experience. I got a lot of experience in that fight.
HACNews.com: I mean, as far as the caliber of opponents you've faced, is he a lot better than those opponents?
Cung Le: I think I just came in with a better game plan. I know Tony is of higher caliber than a lot of the other opponents, and they all came to fight, but I just neutralized Tony's game. I was pretty much dominant in that fight.
HACNews.com: Has there been any word on when your next fight's going to be?
Cung Le: I believe it's going to be November 9th. It won't be against Frank Shamrock. The fight between me and Frank will happen next year. I don't know who my opponent is because Strikeforce is working on their Playboy Mansion card. I think as soon as they lock that up, they'll lock my opponent.
HACNews.com: Is Frank Shamrock somebody you're really eyeing, or is it something they're trying to put together?
Cung Le: Frank had a wish list of who he wanted to fight. I guess he talked a little smack on Cageside Live and I think the fight started out that way.
HACNews.com: What do you think of Frank as a fighter?
Cung Le: I think he's a good fighter. He's definitely gotten more cocky and arrogant over the year. Frank is Frank.
HACNews.com: Besides Frank, who would you pick as your next opponent for November? Who would you throw out there?
Cung Le: You know what, right now I don't know. I'm just starting up slowly in my training, maintaining my ground game. I'll let them decide.
HACNews.com: How many fights are left on your contract?
Cung Le: I actually just signed an extension so there's six more fights on my contract.
HACNews.com: So you're Strikeforce for the long term, or are you interested in testing other waters in the future?
Cung Le: Right now it's just one fight at a time. I take it one day at a time.
HACNews.com: Where would you rank yourself amongst the current middleweight division in MMA as a whole.
Cung Le: I'll rank myself up in time.
HACNews.com: Top five? Top ten?
Cung Le: Nah, I think I need a little more work. I think my stand up is in the top tier of fighters out there. If me and Anderson had a stand-up fight, that would be an awesome fight. I've still got a lot to learn in the MMA game. I'm only 4-0. I've still got to improve everyday and just take it one day at a time.
HACNews.com: That would be a hell of a fight with you and Anderson Silva. Same question actually, just in StrikeForce, EliteXC and Icon, the promotions that are working together now, where do you rank yourself there? Do you think you're top 5 there?
Cung Le: Yeah, definitely.
HACNews.com: Now if they offered you a title shot now, would you take it?
Cung Le: I was hoping to get a title shot against Frank, but that didn't happen.
HACNews.com: You're actually ready?
Cung Le: Yeah. I just have to be patient. I have to wait until they're ready or when Frank's ready?
HACNews.com: Who's your main training team? Who works on you with your boxing, jiu jitsu, etc.?
Cung Le: Well Javier Mendez is my MMA coach. He's really solid with working my stand-up game. My ground game, I was training with Garth and Paul over at AKA. It's been awhile since I was able to get over to AKA. Those guys are my normal training partners, but I've been going through an ugly divorce. So, I've just been staying home, being closer to the kids, and working my schedule around my kids. It should be finalized by the end of this year?
HACNews.com: How many kids do you have?
Cung Le: Two boys.
HACNews.com: And you have custody of both of them?
Cung Le: Yep. Full 100% custody of both of them.
HACNews.com: This is a side question, how hard is that for your career being a single father?
Cung Le: If there was two parents involved, it'd be a lot easier, but since it's me and my girlfiend... if it wasn't for her, it'd be almost impossible to get the training that I'm getting now.
HACNews.com: I didn't know if anybody was helping you.
Cung Le: Yeah, I've definitely got to give credit to my girlfriend. She totally put her life on hold and helped me push forward in my career. (Sounds of his kids in the background.) That's why I'm going forward with MMA.
HACNews.com: That's awesome. Now, is there anybody in MMA that inspired you or that you look up to?
Cung Le: I look up to all the veterans. I definitely look up to Randy Couture, beating up on those young guys. I think he's going to surprise people when he fights Gonzaga.
HACNews.com: You think he's going to win that fight?
Cung Le: Yeah. I think he can win that fight. Just depends on what shape and injury free he comes into that fight.
HACNews.com: I actually predicted him to win. I think it's going to be a lot easier than people are making it out to be. That was just my take.
Cung Le: I think it's going to be a barn burner, but I think he has more heart than Gonzaga. It'll come down to the wire.
HACNews.com: What made you switch to MMA? Why'd you go from K1 to...
Cung Le: My trainer now, Javier Mendez talked me into it. I had a hamstring injury then an elbow injury. He said MMA would probably suit me better, less injuries. I have to agree with him. It does suit me better, but it's a lot harder on the body.
HACNews.com: What has changed for you the most as a fighter since you came into MMA?
Cung Le: You know what, I still do almost everything the same. But I just add the ground game, wall drills, getting off my back. If I get on top, I do ground and pound. You're still in danger when you're in someone's guard pounding them. They can have submissions from their back. So I prefer to keep the action going on the feet.
HACNews.com: How far along do you think you are in your ground game?
Cung Le: I understand it a lot better, but it's still so new to me. I enjoy doing it though. It's not like I go in there "I have to do jiu jitsu." I go in there because I enjoy it. I'm a student of the game. (Kids in the background.)
HACNews.com: Awesome. Now I'm going to do a little word association with you. I'll throw out a name and you just give me the first thing that comes to your mind...
HACNews.com: Phil Baroni.
Cung Le: Crazy
HACNews.com: Robbie Lawler
Cung Le: Big puncher
HACNews.com: Murilo "Ninja" Rua
Cung Le: Good submissions
HACNews.com: Frank Shamrock
Cung Le: Cocky
HACNews.com: Anderson Silva
Cung Le: Good stand-up
HACNews.com: Rich Franklin
Cung Le: Well rounded
HACNews.com: UFC
Cung Le: Flagship
HACNews.com: What is your thoughts on the rematch with Franklin and Silva?
Cung Le: If Franklin comes in ready to bang and leaves it all in the cage, I think he can pull it off. But he's got to look for the takedowns and be aggressive or he's going to get another couple knees and another round kick to the head and go to sleep again.
HACNews.com: This last segment I do is a "Get2Know Cung Le." It's just a series of four questions unrelated to the sport.
HACNews.com: When's the last time you got into a street fight?
Cung Le: Hm... About eight years ago.
HACNews.com: How did it end?
Cung Le: Took the guy down and held him down until he calmed down.
HACNews.com: (Laughs) So you're not about beating on people?
Cung Le: No.
HACNews.com: What's the most surprising thing that people would find out about you after meeting you that they probably wouldn't guess about you?
Cung Le: (Pauses) Sorry, my kids are acting up. What was that question?
HACNews.com: The most surprising thing that people would find out about you after meeting you that they probably wouldn't guess after seeing you on TV.
Cung Le: I'm easy to approach and I'm a nice guy.
HACNews.com: (Laughs) I think everybody thinks that about you now. Tell me something you can't live without... I think I know the answer to this.
Cung Le: (Brief pause) My kids.
HACNews.com: That's what I thought you'd say. Without MMA involved, what's your ideal day?
Cung Le: My ideal day?
HACNews.com: Yep. Nothing MMA involved.
Cung Le: Waking up real early in the morning. Making breakfast for my kids. If it's not a school day, then I'd take them out to the swimming pool and wearing them out so they can take that afternoon nap. If they have school, getting them ready for school and making sure they behaved. That's the ideal day.
HACNews.com: Alright, before I let you go, any sponsors you want to mention, anything you want to say to your fans?
Cung Le: Yeah, first I want to thank God everything he's given me and blessed me with. I want to thank the fans for accepting me and embracing me. I thank you for the interview. Also, my sponsors Throwdown, Knoxx Gear, Sprawl Shorts, Toe to Toe, and MyGRide.com.
HACNews.com: I want to thank you a lot for taking this time out to talk to me. I want to wish you a lot of luck in the future of MMA, your divorce, your family. Stay healthy and we'll talk to you again in the future.
Cung Le: Definitely. Thank you very much.
HACNews.com: Take care.
Cung Le: You too.
You can check out updates and all the latest happening with Cung Le at his official website CungLe.com.
Email Cruz about this interview with feedback, comments, or suggesttions...>>>
Chat with Cruz in our forums...>>>
*Thanks to Brandon of the HACNews staff for transcribing this interview*
http://hacnews.com/jardineinterview1.html
Keith Jardine Interview
By: John Houck (JR)
JR: This is JR and an exclusive HACNews.com interview with top UFC Light Heavyweight contender, “The Dean of Mean” Keith Jardine. Keith, how are you doing?
Keith Jardine: Hey pretty good man just finished my workout here in Denver. I feel like I sweated off about ten pounds today man.
JR: [laughs] Before we get to your upcoming fight with Chuck [Liddell], let’s go back quickly and take a look at the Houston Alexander fight. Was that a case of under-training or just getting overanxious when you had him hurt?
KJ: I think maybe I got a little overanxious. It definitely wasn't under-training. I just came into that fight, thought I had him hurt and I lost focus for a minute, and more credit to him he took advantage. He had a pretty good punch on him.
JR: It’s happened to the best of them. What do you think about Alexander as a fighter? You had said something along the lines of it being a step backwards for you I believe. Do you think he has a lot of potential to be a great fighter in this division?
KJ: Honestly, I’m not sure. You know, I didn't know a lot about him before the fight and now even after the fight I still don't know much about him. We didn't get a lot out of this fight but that he had really strong hands and I think this next fight will be a definite proving ground for him.
JR: So you just came back from Canada, was that a vacation for you or were you up there for business or training?
KJ: Nah nah, I was up there and Georges (St. Pierre) had come down to train with us and we went back up there to train with him for his fight in two weeks.
JR: How do you think he's going to do against Josh Koscheck?
KJ: Yeah he's looking real good he's back to his old form. I think he's going to do great.
JR: The Greg Jackson camp fighters, the more familiar names to the casual fans, fell into a bit of a slump for bit with yourself, Diego Sanchez, Nate Marquardt, Dan Christianson, and Joey Villasenor all coming off losses around the same time. Some of you hadn’t tasted defeat in a long time and some (Sanchez) never. What do you think was the problem at that moment and was there anything internal that caused any of this in the camp?
KJ: I don't think so. I think we're just stepping up in competition ya know, we're fighting a lot better guys and I think we just need to take that next step and keep doing and I think we're doing it.
JR: Were there any issues with Diego leaving the Jackson camp or was it simply that he wanted to be closer to his family as he said?
KJ: No, there are no issues. I love Diego man. It's not like he's making a bad move where's he's going. There was a lot of stress on him in Albuquerque. I wish him the absolute best where he's going and we'll always be tight as friends.
JR: Rashad pulled a draw with Tito, first what did you think about that fight and is that going to be the turnaround point for the camp? Also what do you think will happen if the rumored rematch takes place later this year?
KJ: Yeah I think the fight was a draw, I think it was a good decision. The scoring was a draw but as far as the fight I think Rashad won the fight. He had Tito more broke in the end. I think when Tito was grabbing the cage over and over, I think it changed the fight a lot, some of those takedowns Rashad would have had and I think that would have broke Tito a lot sooner. Rashad's getting better and better each fight. Fight after fight you stack them up and you'll see how he keeps improving. If he fights Tito again he's only going to be better.
JR: Yeah definitely since the Lambert-Tito fights, I’ve seen improvement in Rashad.
KJ: Yeah definitely a little before the Lambert fight. When he fought Sam Hoger and Stephan Bonnar he's just been improving more and more.
JR: Let’s talk about your fight with Chuck now. First what went through your mind when you were approached with this offer?
KJ: I thought the guy was joking right away. When I got the call I was like "I’m not fighting Chuck he's fighting Wanderlei." Then I found out they were serious and I thought “Wow this is such an opportunity" I was really grateful for it.
JR: What were your thoughts on the Wanderlei-Chuck Fight?
KJ: You know I don't know what's going on with that and I don't think that they even got the contract right. I think they're making me a warm-up fight for Chuck...[laughs] but I don't think he's going to look at it like that.
JR: He probably won’t, people have been looking at fighter as “warm-ups” for bigger fighters and they've been getting surprised.
KJ: Yeah definitely a crazy year.
JR: Has the fight between Chuck and Rampage given you more confidence in facing him then, say if they would’ve offered this to you a year ago? Are there any weaknesses that you feel were exposed?
KJ: Nah you know what, match-ups make fights. Maybe Rampage is, uh, the way he matches up against Chuck He'll probably beat Chuck 7 out of 10 times. Chuck and me is a totally different fight. I think before or after the Rampage fight it doesn't matter. I think that I can surprise some people with some of the stuff I've learned.
JR: Your game plan is usually the same with you coming forward throwing strikes with your hands and legs. Being that Chuck has been very successful in the past counter-punching fighters that came out that way, are you going to change anything up like maybe go to the ground or will you pretty much stay the same and confident you can catch him?
KJ: You know um... as far as my game plan I never really have one. It can go to the ground I have my skills that I stick with. But I think now with my training and everything, I'm finally coming together into a complete well-rounded MMA fighter. I polished my boxing and everything is a lot better including my ground game. I think your going to see a totally different Keith Jardine.
JR: Recently Chuck mentioned in an interview that this will be a very fan friendly fight because he expects you to come forward and bang with him until one of you goes down, is this accurate?
KJ: Yeah that's probably the way it's going to be, definitely.
JR: If you pull out the win here, do you believe that puts you in line for a title shot next or do you think you’ll need, maybe one more fight?
KJ: I beat Chuck that puts me in line right again for the title shot. I don't want to concern myself with that right now. I just want to fight the top fighters and beat the top fighters right now.
JR: How do you think the rematch between you and Forrest [Griffin] would go?
KJ: I think it will be the same as last time. It will be a stand-up battle and we won't stop until on of us goes down.
JR: Alright, I'd love to see that one myself but...
KJ: Yeah I think it's going to happen soon hopefully sooner than later.
JR: So what do you think about all these fighters that get knocked out changing their game plan and being more cautious to engage?
KJ: Yeah you’re not going to see that happen to me. That might happen a couple of times with different fighters. But um, I'm not into getting points. The points of the fighting game, I'm not here to get more points than my opponent. I want to out fight my opponent. I don't see it as a sporting event; I see it as a real fight. I’m not standing around trying to win points; I’m trying to win fights.
JR: If we had more fighters who used that mindset we'd have even more exciting fights. What happened to the aggressive, come forward, and banging Diego in the Koscheck fight?
KJ: You know, I'm really not sure you know? I think something was wrong in his head. Some things weren't going his way. He wasn't able to make the adjustment and hopefully he comes back from it better than ever.
JR: My next question is about the UFC 75’s unification bout with Dan Henderson vs. Rampage, who takes it and who is a better style match-up for you?
KJ: You know I’m not really sure but if you had asked me a long time ago I would have said Rampage but I...you know I don't watch fights that often but I saw the Vegas fight with Wanderlei. He really impressed me and he's a lot more complete than I thought he was. Truthfully it could go either way, Rampage has the weight advantage but it really could go either way.
JR: At UFC 76 another fighter will be making his UFC debut...Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. What are your thoughts on him and a future match-up?
KJ: That's the Fight I wanted. I didn't think I was going to get the Chuck fight. I wanted him because he's a big name for true MMA fans. A lot of people have him at Number 1 in the Light Heavyweight rankings. So that would have been a great fight. But he's fighting Forrest right now, so let's see how he does against Forrest. Then we'll see how he is here.
JR: Not that Forrest is a step up from the fighters he has faced but he definitely should not be overlooked.
KJ: Ahh, no way Forrest will definitely have a good game plan for this fight.
Word Association
-Houston Alexander
KJ: WHO? [laughs] I put that fight behind me but um...we'll see ask me after the next fight.
-Quinton “Rampage” Jackson
KJ: He's a funny guy
-Rashad Evans
KJ: He's a workhorse.
-Tito Ortiz
KJ: He USED to be a superstar
-Chuck Liddell
KJ: He IS a HUGE superstar.
-Keith Jardine
KJ: An up and coming working class guy.
Get2Know
JR: If you weren't fighting, what would you be doing?
KJ: In my spare time, I like to visit the coffee shops and also see films, independent films, foreign films, and read books, to get me away form the world of fighting.
JR: What Hollywood celebrity do you think is most like you?
KJ: Nobody...You know I’m not really into the Hollywood celebrity people. I'm kind of Anti-celebrity.
JR: You’re going to love this question then. What Hollywood celebrity would you most like to put the beat down on?
KJ: [laughs] Any two tough guys from action movies, maybe Diesel and Segal. Any of them paired together.
JR: [laughs] What’s your ideal day without anything MMA involved?
KJ: Only thing I can think of is going camping somewhere with a lake. Get away from people. Get away from the noise.
JR: Everybody needs a bit of that.
KJ: Hell yeah man
JR: Before I let you go, any sponsors you’d like to mention or anything you want to say to your fans?
KJ: You know right now I’m trying to get my website going with my t-Shirts, Meanrags.com. I also want to thank the fans for supporting me even after the last fight.
JR: Thank you very much for taking the time out to talk to us. We wish you luck in your upcoming fight and will talk to you again soon, take care Keith.
KJ: Anytime man Take Care.
Visit Keith Jardine's official website at MeanJardine.net for all kinds of cool stuff for sale, be sure to check it out!
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http://hacnews.com/barnoiinterview.html
5 Minutes W/ The N.Y.B.A.
By: Luis Cruz/HACNews.com
HAC-C- Phil, first thanks for taking the time to answer some questions. How are you doing since we've last seen you?
Phil- I'm doing ok . I'm healing up. I'm going to skip surgery on my groin and try to start training this week.
HAC-C- How is your recovery from the injuries going?
Phil- Well I think I can start doing some kind of light training this week. I think it's going to be with me for a while.
HAC-C- Now let's go ahead and knock this out, tell us your version of the positive steroid test results after the fight. There seems to be some question as to the accuracy of some of the testing.
Phil- I can't go into that right now. I still have to appeal. I've had the date moved. All I want to reiterate is that I'm not a steroid user and I've never used steroids.
I hope my fans will support me through this and will withhold judgment until I can present my case.
HAC-C- Now let's talk about Frank Shamrock real quick. What was going through your mind when he was taunting you during the fight? Would you have done the same thing if the roles were reversed?
Phil- I wish my groin wasn't fucked up because it would have been the perfect time to throw a flying knee or high kick. I thought to myself, nice player nice, and smiled back each time.
HAC-C- Are you looking for a rematch at some point or are you ok to bury the hatchet with Frank now?
Phil- I'd love a rematch. I'm going to fight my way back into title contention. I'm better than I fought . I know I have what it takes to beat him.
HAC-C- What's next for you, any talk for any fights after you're totally healed?
Phil- I just want to clear up my suspension with the CSAC put June 22nd behind me and fight my way back into title contention. As far as opponent, anyone tough.
HAC-C- What's your current contract with Strikforce, how many more fights? And is the UFC offer off now or is there still a chance you'll show up there at some point?
Phil- I have a few fights left with Strikeforce and then you can expect to see me in the UFC some time soon.
HAC-C- Who is your training team or are you jumping around to different camps?
Phil- I'll be jumping around between AKA and Randy's gym in Vegas.
HAC-C- I just want to throw out a couple names and you tell me how you feel you match up with them right now, Murilo 'Ninja' Rua and Robbie Lawler.
Phil- Robbie is a personal friend of mine. I've know the guy for a few years. and I personally like the kid . They are both very tough for different reasons. I feel I can beat both of them. They are completely different styles and fighters. Both are tough and I will be watching their fight closely.
HAC-C- Can you tell us your version of what happened with Josh Burkman? His version was something like he fought you and four or five other guys and handled himself pretty well.
Phil- He is as truthful as he is good looking.
HAC-C- [Laughs] After all is said and done with you fighting, would you look to stay involved in the sport somehow as possibly a commentator or maybe a full time trainer for younger fighters?
Phil- No I'm going to probably going into the movie business and produce hardcore lesbian porn.
HAC-C- [Laughs] Sounds fun! Before you go anything you want to say to your fans and/or any sponsors you'd like to mention?
Phil- I'd like to thank my fans that are still supporting me. As far as sponsors I'd like to really thank the ones that are still supporting me. For the ones that jumped off the bandwagon, your loss. It's nice to see your true colors and I'm better off not endorsing your product. I'll see you back on the way up and I promise to slap you in the face with my dick as I pass you by.
HAC-C- [Laughs] Don't hold back Phil! Again, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for us and we look forward to seeing you back, in N.Y.B.A fashion, fighting. Take care.
Phil- Yeah so am I. And no, you take care.
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Rashad, Cung, Jardine and Baroni interviews from HACNews.com
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