Mike Swick talks GSP!!

**tn94z** · 05-07-2009, 08:55 AM

Yesterday I managed to get a hold of AKA's Mike "Quick" Swick, who has already begun his tear at welterweight with big wins over Marcus Davis and Jonathon Goulet. Mike sat down and answered some questions relating to his upcoming fight at UFC 99: The Comeback, his future, MMA, and life in general.

Miles Hackett (MH): First of all Mike, I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to answer these questions for us. Your admired reputation as one of the easiest to approach fighters in the business is certainly deserved.

Mike Swick (MS): "No problem."

MH: Your next opponent Ben Saunders has been flying under a lot of people's radars for some time now. How do you see your fight with him going?

MS: "He is a tough opponent. We both have exciting styles that should clash well for the fans."

MH: You’ve had the opportunity to train in Sweden, Russia, and Thailand (on multiple occasions). How does the training lifestyle of a fighter outside of the USA differ? Would you recommend the experience of international training to any up-and-coming fighter?

MS: "There is no place or camp that I like better than AKA here in San Jose. My team is great and this is the only place I train during fight camp. I do venture to train while traveling though and Thailand is fun."

MH: Who is the most talented guy you've ever trained with?

MS: "My teammates are all so talented. I learn so much from them."

MH: In the past you’ve spoken about getting another crack at Chris Leben. Is that something you’d still like to do, or has your interest in that rematch lessened since making your move to 170?

MS: "We tried to get one. We actually got the UFC to offer it and we accepted but his camp declined."

MH: Both your teammates Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch couldn’t pull off victories against current WW champ Georges St. Pierre, if granted your shot (should he beat Alves at UFC 100), what do you think you could bring to the table that they couldn’t?

MS: "I have a style that we haven't seen against St. Pierre yet. I will bring hard, fast, explosive flurries. When I am healthy and able, I fight very aggressive."

MH: Even though MMA’s popularity hasn’t really exploded in Germany yet, do you think that will change following UFC 99?

MS: "Yes I do. I am going to do everything I can to show Germany why MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world right now."

MH: Do you feel there is any additional pressure for you to put on a great performance, seeing as the UFC will be trying to make a positive first impression with the German public and media?

MS: "There are always different levels of pressure for a fight. If you sit and think about it, you can create a whole lot of pressure for yourself. I am going in this fight clear headed. My goal is to fight at the best of my ability. If I do that, the fans and I should be happy."

MH: Do you actively follow MMA outside of the UFC? If so, who are your favourite non-UFC fighters to watch?

MS: "I do follow my teammates. They are my favorite fighters outside the UFC."

MH: What do you like to do outside of fighting? Any hobbies or activities we may not know about?

MS: "I travel the globe. I love traveling and want to see the whole world! I also play a lot of poker."

MH: Mike, we’ve heard that you play poker at Full Tilt, would you say you win more than you lose? If the former, do you have any playing tips for those of us who can’t seem to get on the winning track?

MS: "I do play a lot, too much! Haha. I would suggest studying as much as you can. I have watched hours and hours of poker on TV and DVD as well as played with much better players. That always helps."

MH: Once again Mike, everyone at the Lockdown thanks you for taking the time to answer the questions of your fans. We wish you the best of luck with your upcoming bout at UFC 99. Do you have any closing comments for you fans, or sponsors you would like to thank?

MS: "Thanks to all the fans out there for their support! I am on Twitter now so you can follow my training leading up to my June 13th fight. Twitter.com/officialswick We also re-launched my website which is now enormous (Mike Swick Official Website). I am also on Myspace and Youtube.

I really think this would be an interesting fight!!