INTERVIEW
too. I never took a backwards step.
Did it feel like UK vs. USA - with
you very outnumbered?
Ha, ha! No, it was more like David
and Goliath, with them all being
so much bigger than me. Yes, it
was hard but Rashad Evans was
a big help, you know, seeing him
every day as a familiar face. That
helped a lot, having someone
from your own training camp as
one of the coaches.
What’s your goal weight,
260lbs?
No, I think 260lbs is too big, I have
always thought that technique
is better than size. I do need to
be a bit bigger; it will help with
my power and it will help with
my Wrestling. I’m going to try to
fight at about 245lbs. I’d like to go
to America at 255lbs and cut to
245lbs to fight next time.
What did you learn in the
house?
Wow! So much, where else in the
world could you put together a
training camp like that, with so
many really good heavyweight
fighters? That was amazing, you
just learn so much every day.
It’s such a great mix of skills and
different temperaments, the way
you are pushed by each other and
the coaches. Normally you would
take months to prepare for a fight.
Watch footage of your opponent,
I’m not sure he is the best he can What did it mean to you to go Dana makes it mentally tough train to a fight plan, that kind of
be yet but he seems to be learning into the house? for all the people going into the thing but in the house no one can
with every fight. I’m not sure he Look it’s what I’ve been working house. What was it like for you? do that! You are taken totally out
could beat Fedor yet but he is get- towards. Then I just got the It was kind of weird because I of your comfort zone, totally out
ting better every time he fights. call to say do you want to do a could only tell my family, my of reality. Also, if you can train
medical to try out for TUF 10, I manager and my coach. It’s kind and fight under those conditions
Ok let’s go back to the TUF said, you’re not really asking me of lonely to be on your own. I was and perform well, then you can
house. I know that your Mum a question, just tell me where to the only English guy and that do it anywhere.
and Dad are big fans of yours be and when. So I went down to was tough. No books, no TV, no
and very supportive, what did Las Vegas and did the medicals personal time. That all makes it We can’t talk about who did
they think about you going into and then I got the call to say, well mentally tough. what yet but I’m sure everyone
the house? done, you made it, you’re in. is looking forward to watching
You know, they are used to me Did you feel you had to prove the show on Sky?
going away for training camps How did that feel? yourself to the rest of the house No sorry, I’m really excited about
ahead of fights. They know I’m Amazing, I mean just amazing, I mates? the show being aired and I’m sure
doing what I love and I’ve been fi- was so proud. I was the only Bri- Yes, a bit, but after my first fight everyone will enjoy it.
ghting and training since I was six, tish guy in the house. I was really and the first training session,
so it’s not new to them. As for the happy for me for the opportunity they had respect for me. It was Thanks James
TUF house they didn’t really know, and also to represent my country. like being dropped into a tank of Thanks Steve, and again I would
no one did, it was all done at short great white sharks and they were like to thank everyone that has
notice and it was very confidential. Lots of people have said that all hungry! I had to show my teeth supported me in my career.
36
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