Interview with: Christian “Hungarian Nightmare” Wellisch
By No Remorse of MMA Discussions
01) Thanks for the time Christian. For Those who do not know about you, can you give us some history on yourself?
I was born in Hungary, and my family and I moved to America when I started high school. I wrestled for a bit at San Francisco State, then graduated from San Jose State University. Currently I’m in my 3rd (and final!) year of law school at U.O.P. McGeorge in Sacramento. Oh, and I’m also fighting for the UFC…
02) Where do you train, with who and how often?
I started my MMA career at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose. Currently, I train at Ultimate Fitness with Urijah Faber, James Irvin, and Scott Smith in Sacramento. I train as much as possible, working around my school schedule.
03) What is it that got you into MMA and when?
I stopped wrestling after a dislocated shoulder, and I got a job as a network engineer in San Jose. But I could not bear sitting in an office all day, so I went down to AKA to sign up for ju jitsu. I had no intentions of competing in MMA at first, but the trainers felt I had potential so they talked me into it. After my first fight back in 2001 I fell in love with the sport.
04) What lesser-known fighter do you think we should be watching?
Well, one name that comes to mind right away is Jon Fitch. He is simply a beast at 170, and until the last UFC he has not had any TV exposure. I think a championship is likely in his future, sooner or later. He is very strong, with a solid wrestling background, good submissions, and good standup.
Another guy to watch for is Cain Velasquez. He is an all American wrestler, and another monster in the Heavyweight division. This man has a bottomless gas tank, great functional strength, and with the AKA team training him his potential is infinite.
05) Do you have any fights scheduled? Any future fights with the UFC?
I am going to fight in the UFC again real soon. I don’t think the contracts are signed yet, so I cannot officially say when, but I’ll be back in the Octagon.
06) Out of all the fights you have been in, which one would you say is your favorite, and why?
I think my fight against Jay White at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. That fight almost went the distance, but I finally got the mount and the TKO midway through the final round. It was a battle, and I took quite a few shots. I think I proved my chin and my perseverance with that fight. To me, tough fights are more meaningful than quick victories.
07) What are a few of your favorite techniques in fighting or grappling?
I like arm bars, but I also like to hit someone with a good left hook or kick them with an inside leg kick. I guess I like anything that works!
08) You have fought for quite a few different MMA organizations, which one has been your favorite so far, and why?
Well, I would have to say the UFC, because currently they are paying my bills!
09) What are your thoughts on the UFC Heavy Weight division?
Tim Sylvia is a monster, and to my knowledge no one has taken him down in MMA. It will be interesting to see the contrast between this giant striker and Monson, the shorter submissions expert. If Sylvia passes that test on the 18th, I don’t see too many other legitimate challengers to his title other than Arlovski. However, there are quite a few good up and comers like Brandon Vera for example. And hey, hopefully I’ll get to title contender status at some point, too!
10) What kind of music, books, and movies are you into?
Well to be honest I have to read so much for school it doesn’t leave a whole lot of time for ‘pleasure reading.’ When I study, I listen to classical music, but other than that its rock. As for movies - I just saw the “Borat” movie and I thought it was pretty funny. Except for the infamous hotel fight scene… that was a bit much. I loved Fight Club, American Psycho, The Usual Suspects, Once Upon a Time in the West, but also the Princess Bride and Weird Science. So I guess I like all types of movies, if they’re done right.
11) Any hobbies or other things you like to do when not training?
I try to save time for art - I like to draw. I also like to cook - making food compliments my love of eating food nicely! And I am addicted to myspace…
12) Can you give us your picks for UFC 65?
Main Card Bouts:
-Matt Hughes BEATS Georges St. Pierre
-Tim Sylvia BEATS Jeff Monson
-Brandon Vera BEATS Frank Mir
Preliminary Bouts:
-Nick Diaz BEATS Graison Tibau
-Brad Imes BEATS Antoni Hardonk
-James Irvin BEATS Hector Ramirez
13) Thanks for the time bro, feel free to say anything else you would like to the fans and supporters…
Thank you! I love MMA. I think its the greatest sport in the world, and we need the fans to help it continue to grow. So come out to watch the fights whenever you have the chance, your support keeps the sport strong!
Oh, and don’t forget to add me on myspace… 
Christian
View Profile: http://www.myspace.com/hungariannightmare
