Glenn: What special benefits do MFS Fighters get? (equipment discounts, sports psychologists, massage therapy, etc.)
Mike: Well a lot of the guys have sponsors and people that will give them equipment or fight wear so that helps out a lot. Some guys, like myself have nutritional sponsors or sponsorships with other websites. You can check my sponsors section of my webpage. There is a discount that comes with being a fighter as far as massage and chiropractic care but I'm not exactly sure what it is as I haven't been taking advantage of it.
Glenn: Mike, what's next for you on the competition agenda?
Mike: I am looking at doing NAGA West Coast Championships in September as well as fighting MMA also. Of course, my MMA has priority over all. I'm not sure exactly where I'll be fighting. I'm just waiting for my manager, Monte Cox, to figure that out. He's the best in the business.
Glenn: What is your weight cutting program like?
Mike: It's no secret that weight cutting is not the most enjoyable thing in the world. I walk around at about 235 lbs. and I have to get to 205 for fights. When I'm training for a fight I eat very disciplined and that is hard for a lot of people. There are a lot of
temptations out there. Not all of us can get down to one percent bodyfat like you, Glenn (laughter).
It's funny you ask this question, I was just talking about this today w/ my roommate Rory Markham. I came to the conclusion that there are hundreds of different ways to cut weight and people have to learn about
their bodies and how they handle it. You have to know how much weight you can float over night, how much weight you can lose in an hour, how hard it is to get those last few pounds off, etc. For me personally I
drastically reduce portion sizes the last week or so. I make sure that the last week I'm consuming 2-3 gallons of water a day and flushing my system. Then the night before weigh ins, I stop drinking water and
go to bed. From that point on, the weight cutting begins through urinating, and sweating it out the next day. If you do it right, you should be able to weigh in and then gain it all back by the next day w/out being too fatigued. Some people cut out water a day or 2 out all together and I think that is totally wrong.
Glenn: How do you think up and coming fighters can get on better paying fight cards?
Mike: Well, finding a qualified manager or someone to handle you would be good. Also, I think you have to start out at smaller events and prove you belong on the better fight cards, which is my goal right now. Promoting yourself is a good idea too, for instance a website and having sponsors. You should try to get to know and meet as many people in the MMA world as possible. You have to do something to get known at first, like establishing yourself on the grappling circuit. Promoters would then be more likely to put you on their show than some guy off the street who says he's a fighter but really can't fight his way out of a wet paper bag.
Glenn: Which promoters and managers do you consider respectable?
Mike: Well I'm not sure I know that many managers or promoters really. I know that Monte Cox is by far the best manager in the sport. The guy has a piece of just about every show in the midwest and he does a lot to help promote the sport of MMA. He knows the ins and outs of the sport better than anyone else in the world. He's a really intelligent guy when it comes to managing, mma, etc.
Glenn: Tell me about the fight purse negotiation process.
Mike: Really, I'm not sure because I have only had 3 fights and there wasn't much of a negotiation. It was basically told me what was being offered and I accepted because at the time I just wanted to fight.
I'll let my manager handle of all that stuff from now on.
Glenn: Do you do anything else for employment besides
fighting?
Mike: I am a hard working man right now. I am working on buying a house with my girlfriend. We just bought a used Grand Cherokee too. I work M-F as a substitute teacher. About 3 days a week I work in a restaurant/bar as a bartender and then I bounce at a big club on the weekends. I do all this in addition to training/fighting. I have a busy schedule.
Glenn: What other part-time jobs would you recommend that had "carry-over" for someone in your field, that wouldn't interfere with training?
Mike: Really, bouncing is about the best thing because the hours work around your training. However, the drawback is the smoke and breathing all that in. It's hell on your cardio at times. A lot of the MFS guys work as bouncers in their spare time. Other than that, there are lots of part time jobs that you could work around and still train hard.
Glenn: Is there any non-physical training that you'd recommend to a fighter?
Mike: I think that there are many other things that you can do to improve your training. Watching videos is a big one and reading books. You can learn a lot from that stuff. I also suggest that you take a break once in a while. MMA is a very demanding sport and taking a few days off here and there to unwind, go out to eat, see a movie, go
fishing, are good things that will prevent mental burnout.
Glenn: What advice do you have on getting sponsorship?
Mike: You have to put a packet together about yourself. It can include a resume and pictures. A website is a good start. That way people can explore and learn about you. I'm really excited about my website. My webmaster really hooked it up for me.
Glenn: How do you think fighters should "advertise" themselves to
potential sponsors?
Mike: A website is a must in my opinion. You can also do as I said and formulate a packet w/ pictures, resumes, etc.
Glenn: What else can a pro fighter do for extra money?
Mike: You can do personal training and private lessons. You can start bouncing/bartending or you can get a regular 9-5 job and just work hard and train hard. I know lots of guys who do all the above mentioned.
Glenn: Is there anything else you'd like to say?
I just want to thank you and Scientific Wrestling for doing this interview with me. If anyone has any questions you can email me through my site at www.MIKECIES.com I also think scientificwrestling.com
and groundfight.com are great websites with lots of great products; especially the Mark Schultz tapes. I rewatch those often. Everyone should check them out!
Also, there is more to life than just leglocks…
Glenn: **** you! (laughter)