411Mania MMA Exclusive Interview: A Few Rounds with Mike Swick
Posted by Bren Oliver on 04.25.2007
Talented Mixed Martial Artist, American Kickboxing Academy ace, and ice cream enthusiast?!? Those are only three words describing the multifaceted Mike Swick. Find out more when the original Ultimate Fighter alumnus sits down exclusively with 411Mania and discusses the UFC, his future plans, and even his favorite way to tap an opponent out!
On April 7th, 2007, the stage was set for Mike Swick to complete his climb into the rare air of the UFC Middleweight Division's peak. It was UFC 69 and the native Houstonian was prepared to fight a much-respected opponent in front of the hometown crowd. Hard rock would blast from the arena's speakers, Mike Goldberg would actively agree with Joe Rogan's commentary, and the stars seemed to be lining up perfectly for the ulta-talented Middleweight and fan-favorite. Too perfect perhaps. In the end, Swick would eventually fall victim to a hard-fought decision loss, but perhaps more important was what he gained that evening; knowledge, experience, and a few gasoline-soaked logs on the already burning fire driving him to be the best fighter the sport has to offer...
"I will come back stronger."
411Mania: How are you doing physically a few weeks removed from UFC 69? Any injuries to report? Have you been told when you'll be cleared to fight again?
Mike Swick: I am good. I am clear to fight. He didn't cause me a suspension. Appearantly they dont give those out for broken pride. (laughs)
411: Please give readers/fans insight into your current mindset regarding the fight with Okami. Does it become a learning experience, a source for extra motivation, or simply something you wipe your hands clean of and move on from? Maybe a little of all three?
MS: Learning experience. I learned that the days of not cutting weight are probably over! (laughs) I am getting smaller and smaller each fight and my opponents bigger and bigger! There is a lot to take from this fight. I will come back stronger.
411: Regarding Okami, you said after the fight that Okami was stronger than you thought, though certainly you showed a great deal of respect to his abilities prior to your bout. Was his strength the major obstacle you had to deal with and try to adjust to? Was there anything else in particular that gave you difficulty?
MS: He was definately strong. It changed some of my strategy around a bit and it wore on me dealing with his strength. There are a lot of things people dont know about that fighters have to deal with sometimes before and during fights. Each fight is a learning experience and I will learn a lot from these last two.
411: Did you have a chance to spend time with friends and family in your hometown, Houston, after the fight and, if so, how helpful was it to be surrounded with that particular level of support?
MS: I did and it was helpful but it also added pressure. I like to be alone before fights. Its like going to war. In Houston I was with family and friends all week and thats difficult. I think it changes your mindset a bit. I went out there wanting to hug Okami and invite him over for dinner rather than bulldoze through him. (laughs) Again, lesson learned!
"I loved and still love competing."
411: You've said you first got started with Martial Arts when enrolled in a Tae-Kwon-Do gym as a kid. When did you first realize competitive fighting was not only something you enjoyed, but something you were very skilled at?
MS: When I started winning tournaments. I was like wow, this is great. I loved and still love competing.
411: With Zuffa's recent acquisition of PRIDE FC, and the discussion about "dream fights", are there any PRIDE fighters in particular who you'd like to step into the ring against to test your skills?
MS: I dont really care at this point. I just want to get back in there.
411: Sticking with the subject of PRIDE, what are your thoughts about the possibility of fighting in Japan for the first time in your career? When is the last time you fought in a ring as opposed to an Octagon?
MS: I would rather stay with the UFC but I will go where they tell me. Its been a few years since fighting in a ring but I train in one everyday.
411: Chris Leben is one of the rare blemishes on your record (based on a pre-UFC result in early 2004). Fighters often talk about avenging losses. What are your thoughts on possibly fighting him again in front of a UFC crowd?
MS: Of course I would like this fight.
411: Are there any fighters you currently train with, maybe who are not "well known", who fans should keep our eyes open for down the road?
MS: Most of the Team is pretty known. Jon Fitch is the most underrated. He is a badass and will have a great career.
The biggest misconception is "...that we are street fighting thugs. Not true at all."
411: There are ramblings that you've considered dropping to Welterweight given your ability to make Middleweight without having to cut many, if any, pounds. Any "fire" to this "smoke"?
MS: Yup. I am getting too small for middleweight.
411: In a radio interview you mentioned a specific situation in the fight against Leben regarding him being a "dirty" fighter (and not in the sense of him doing anything illegal in the ring). Would you be willing to elaborate on the story for our readers?
MS: Nah. It fit that story. I am not one to talk a bunch of trash on anyone, even though he does. They asked and I told them how it was.
411: What is your favorite part about living in California?
MS: Its great for a lot of reasons. Too many to list! (laughs)
411: What do you miss about living in Texas?
MS: Of course family and friends.
411: What is a favorite "guilty pleasure" of yours when you aren't training for a fight?
MS: Ice cream.
411: What is the biggest misconception you see from the public as far as Mixed Martial Arts and its practitioners go?
MS: That we are street fighting thugs. Not true at all.
Quick Hits
411: What was your first car?
MS: Dodge Truck.
411: What is your favorite submission to pull off?
MS: Swickatine
411: What music gets you amped for a fight?
MS: 2pac, Eminem.
411: Hottest Jessica: Alba, Simpson, or Biel?
MS: Alba by a mile.
411: What's the last good movie you saw?
MS: 300.
MS: Thanks for the interview. For more info on me, please check out my webpage at MikeSwick.com and my Myspace at Myspace.com/mikeswick.
411: Thanks for your time Mike. Best of luck in your next fight and all else...
