Ten TUF Questions Mike Wessel
1. How did you get started in MMA?
I was coaching for the University of Arkansas and I still felt that after playing pro ball I still could do something competitive and started boxing and kickboxing. I was doing it so that I didn’t become a huge fatass and drink all the time. I needed directiona dn goals and that’s what it gave me. Then one day the coaches said I should fight in MMA. I never thought about it but thought I could kick someone’s ass. So I did. I won and continued training till I left the razorbacks to turn pro in mma.
2. What did your family say when you told them you wanted to pursue MMA professionally?
My family wasn’t surprised. I am very competitive and they could tell I missed football and needed that structure that comes with athletics. Plus, I have always been that guy todo everything everybody else wants to do but doesn’t. Well I do it.
3. What are your thoughts on the fight with Antoni Hardonk at UFC 92? You took that fight on very short notice.
Yeah, it was on very short notice. I was in Vegas the week before enjoying just getting married, Roli Delgado fighting on the TUF 8 finale and alot of beer & buffets. But, when I got home and Joe Silva called to have me fight I had no choice, I had to take that fight. I wasn’t prepared and I think I still had alcohol in me from the week before but if that was my only shot in the UFC I was not gonna puss out and give it to someone else. I did the best I could and in the end I gassed. I ended the 1st round in mount and knocked him down 3 times in that fight. I was happy but hated to lose knowing if I had more notice I would have won. But, that’s life and there are never any excuses I should have been ready. But, I didn’t know I had a fight and I hadn’t trained since a month before.
4. Do you remember what you were thinking as you walked to the octagon?
I was so pumped and was thinking “I wanna shock these fuckers and make them all remember who I am” lol I alomost did but I think I showed what I can do and what I can bring even on short notice.
5. You used were the strength & conditioning coach for the University of Arkansas football team. What are some of your fondest memories of coaching in the SEC?
HAHAHA The players. I loved those kids. They were so funny and excited about life. I don’t miss the work but Imiss the players and helping them get better. It means a lot when they look me up now and call. Hell half are in the NFL and call or tex to see how I am. I feel good that they do cuz I must have left an impact for them to wanna contact me. I also loved the coaches. The hogs really screwed themselves when they let Coach Nutt go. But, he needed a new start anyway. Hell, he is at ole’ miss kicking ass so I don’t think he regrets it. LOL But, I go to the Ole’ Miss games now and stand on the sidelines. I have a lot of good friends that coach there. So the relationships that I built w/ the players and coaches are the best memories. Oh and the fact that I got to coach D-MAC, Felix, Harrison, Jackson, Anderson, Garner and a ton other great players that are now in the NFL. I also got to tell a reporter (Wally Hall) who is an asshole to the players that if he talked about bad about the coaches or players in front of me I would tap his ass out. I did that live on a radio show. It was funny because I was leaving to turn pro and couild say anything I wanted.
6. How big of an influence has Roli Delgado been for you?
He has been a major factor in getting me to where I am. Roli and his partner Matt Hamilton took me in and basically started me on the path. I didn’t know shit about fighting or how to do it before I met them. They are responsible for getting me to a level and doing it in such an unselfish way. I loved training under them. They have done so much for my success and put me in the best situations to win that if it hadnt been for them I would not have they oppertunities that I have had. They also got me to the UFC in under 2 years of training. I don’t care what anyone else says that’s pretty dam good coaching to take a guy that didn’t know shit and turn him into a competetive fighter at the highest level in under 2 years. That includes me being and ammy. They know there shit at WE$T$IDE.
7. If you weren’t fighting what do you think you would be doing?
I would be an over weight fatass sitting in a bar somewhere talking about the good ole days when I was great and that I could have done something more w/ my life. Im not bullshitting either. I need fighting to survive. Before my wife & fighting I had nothing to look forward too or have any goals. I truly need this.
8. What’s the hardest thing to cut out of you diet when you are training?
ICE CREAM Man, I can eat the hell out of some Sonic Reeses Blasts or a DQ Blizzard. Im not joking. That shit will make ya fat too. But, I love ICE CREAM.
9. What do you like to do when you aren’t training?
I like to spend time with my wife at home. I am a home body and don’t go out much. I have poker nights everyweek. But, during the summer I love the lake. I can be on a boat and never come off the lake.
10. What is the worst job you’ve ever had?
I really never had a bad job. Im that guy that if I know I wont like it I wont do it. So, I never took a job I didn’t like. But, I do hate getting dirty and farm work. My family in Ohio are farmers and I was the only city boy. But, I was the biggest so they wanted me to work the farms and I hated the smells and getting dirty. Screw all that Ill get paid and be clean and in air conditioning. LOL Im such a bitch hahahahahaTen TUF Questions
