MMA’s Full 38’ 11.07.07: Charles McCarthy Catches Us Up On His TUF Life
Posted by Sid Needelman on 11.07.2007
Charles McCarthy, Ultimate Fighter star reminds us what great talent he trains with, that he'll be back in the UFC with 5 fights left on his contract, and on a side-note, an update on the Phil Baroni, The New York Badass' troubles in Charle's region of the country.
Charles McCarthy, The Ultimate Fighter star, calls up from out west. One of his stablemates is preparing for a fight tonight. Carmelo Marerro is ready off his stint in the UFC, and his recent grappling battle with Babalu, and is ready for his next fight. Others on the card include one of my favorites, Butterbean. Say what you will about his ground game, but he is fun to watch because he brings it every time and does not fear focusing on his stand-up game. And while Butterbean is not everyone's favorite, Mark Kerr, who is also on the card is not either. He has had his trouble as the world watched his spiral in drugs in the documentary The Smashing Machine. Had I not traveled from Florida to Denver to see Kerr fight a few years back, just to have him not fight, I might still have a place in my list of favorites for him. I hope he wins.
So anyways, Chucky – Charles McCarthy, known for being slightly less enthusiastic in the Ultimate Fighter house, is the lead guy at his American Top Team branch that he opened up wit the help of the larger team and his buddy
The event Carmelo is in is interesting as it boasts ringside couch seating with VIP champagne service, and guest commentators Kimo and Phil "The New York Badass" Baroni. For those who have not been keeping track, Baroni's record in Miami-Dade clerk of courts is now non-existent, thanks to some good attorney work. He had been arrested after an altercation on South Beach a while back.
Again sidetracked, Charles was recently seen at one of the latest NAGA events in support of his team. We spoke a little about life, and how it isn't as "TUF" as you might think from his rejected nickname, "Captain Miserable." He has a great family life, his MMA school is doing great, and he would urge you to take a look at the webpage: www. bocamma.com/
I would like to thank Charles for taking the time out to speak with 411mania.com for this exclusive…
411Mania.com: Being that we last spoke at a grappling event, what grappling competitions have you participated in and that you are very proud of?
Charles McCarthy: I started out competing in NAGA and Grapplers Quest. I'm proud of that and I feel it was my amateur career.
411Mania.com: Cole just won his division when NAGA came down to Florida, which division was it that Cole Miller took home 1st?
Charles McCarthy: Cole did 160 expert and won 1st
411Mania.com: What is your next fight? For which organization if you do not have one set yet?
Charles McCarthy: I don't have one set yet. I am recovered from ACL surgery (Nov 14th 2006 and have 5 fights left on my UFC contract so hopefully 2007 will see the return of a new and improved Charles McCarthy.
411Mania.com: What do you think of this season's Ultimate Fighter show?
Charles McCarthy: I missed most of the episodes but the ones I saw looked much like the other seasons. I would love to see them change up the format somehow but if I knew how to spice up TV shows I would be making way more money.
411Mania.com: What did you think of your teammate, Ben's fight a few weeks back?
Charles McCarthy: I saw Ben's fight and thought he looked great. I was surprised to see the controversy as I thought he won the 1st and the second.
411Mania.com: You were cornering in the superfight at NAGA, do you often corner for?
Charles McCarthy: I corner for all my ATT Gym's pro and amateur fighters, Cole Miller, Micah Miller, Ran Weathers, Carmelo Marrero, Todd Duffee, Scott Harper, Brett Jackowski and I have been working with Kimbo and depending on a few things will be working with him for some time to come.
411Mania.com: What do you think about Randy Couture's situation with the UFC
Charles McCarthy: I think Randy is a great guy from my limited time with him from the show. I don't know the real intricate details as I don't think anyone on the outside does. I do know that no one should feel taken advantage of and if Randy feels that way then he is making the right decision for him. I think the UFC does a great job with its fighters but it's impossible to make everyone happy.
411Mania.com: Will Serra beat Hughes?
Charles McCarthy: I would love to see Serra win he is a great guy and has paid his dues but it will be a tough fight for anyone to beat Hughes. I think Serra has a better chance of winning by finish but I think Hughes can grind out a decision.
And out…
**********
And for those of you wondering what is MMA's Full 38' It means: an octagon is 30 ft across with 4 feet extra on each side, for cornermen, doctors and camera crew. To know MMA, sometimes one needs to make sure they cover some of the lesser know aspects of it, and 38' represents a number a lot of hardcore fans would not recognize. But be warned, do not try to set up an arena without knowing how big the octagon really is, or there will be problems.
Sid Needelman
