Interviewed by Nicole of MMA Discussions
This “13 Questions” is with professional lightweight MMA fighter, Kevin “the Bad Boy” English. Kevin has a very nice web site, where you can contact him at: www.mmabadboy.com
1.How are you involved in MMA?
I am a full time Pro MMA Fighter. I train in Jui Jitsu at Duneland Vale Tudo, Muay Thai at Active Edge, and cardio and strength train with my father.
2. What styles have you trained in?
I came from a wrestling background. In the last several years I have added Jui Jitsu and Muay Thai to my training in order to become a more well rounded fighter. I have a personal Muay Thai coach, and have a great team Duneland Vale Tudo (where we do everything from wrestle, practice Jiu Jitsu, and work on stand up).
3. What sparked your interest in the sport?
My father and I used to follow the UFC on TV way back in the day, and I was always interested in it. I saw a fellow wrestler/coach in the area fight and that peaked my interest.
4. Do you have a favorite style? A favorite move?
I like to use my wrestling, but I have got to the point where I just do what ever feels natural when the bell rings. As far as favorite moves, nothing really whatever can win the fight or the round is ok with me!
5. What are some things that you would like to see change in MMA?
I like the way the sport is going. It has really taken off over the last two years. But I would like to see the promoters pay better, especially the fighters that are taking this as seriously as I am. I fight full time and this is how I support my wife and kids. Even at the smaller shows those promoters make a big killing, and some of the fighter (even the ones who walk out with a win) get paid barely enough to cover their medical bills after the show!
6. Are there any fighters/trainers who you find inspiring?
Well right now my father really inspires me. He has taken almost all of his time and money to help me reach my goals in this sport. If not for him I wouldn’t be fighting. I also love the way guys are at DVT (Duneland Vale Tudo) and how we push each other so hard. Tito Ortiz for his great coaching on the TUF show inspired me and Randy Couture is very inspirational with his character, determination, and longevity.
7. Which fight of yours was most memorable?
Right now they’re all memorable. I try to remember my mistakes and learn from them each and every fight. As far as a cool win I’d have to say a very small show a few years ago where I had a pretty cool suplex. The crowd really enjoyed it.
8. Out of all the fights you have watched (either in person, or televised), which one stands out in your mind the most? Why?
Diego Sanchez v Karo v Parisyan because the fight was a battle from beginning to end. They both demonstrated great heart.
9. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to continue training. What has been your primary
motivation?
My wife and kids. My wife has to put up with the fact that I’m gone all day training, and gone days at a time for fights and bring home very little money, but she understands the dream. I stopped training to pursue coaching for a few years but always had that competitive side eating at me. I also don’t want to tell my kids when they get older that I quit before I accomplished something. I want to be happy with myself and be able to tell my kids that I gave it my all. I would also like to have great things for my family, and I see this as an opportunity to give them great things in the future.
10.If you had all the resources you could ever need, what would you like to accomplish in MMA?
I’d like to make it to the UFC and win a world championship. The UFC is the Super Bowl for MMA in the US . I’d love to run my own fight gym one day and possibly promote my own shows. I feel I have a lot to give back to upcoming fighters and I’m sure I can provide the fans a great show, offering fighters better financial gains than they are currently receiving in this business.
11. Do you have any special dieting or training methods?
I train about 6 hrs a day, alternating the things I do. There’s nothing extremely special. I try and stick to the basics and train harder than anyone else. My dieting technique was given to me by my father and I’m not sure I want to divulge that at this point. LOL
12.You were at the TUF 5 trials, what was that experience like?
It was great!! I didn’t expect to see so many fighters there. It was a huge turnout. I didn’t think I’d know that many fighters there but I knew quite a few of them. Dana White gave me a new nickname of mini Chuck Liddell and that was very cool. I advanced all the way through each of the cuts all the way to the interview with Spike TV, so I know I got noticed at the very least.
13. What are some other things you enjoy doing with your time?
When I’m not training I like to spend time with my family. I love to watch movies with my wife. My father buys like every good movie that comes out so it’s like a Block Buster over there and me and my wife borrow them from him all the time. I also love to play Texas Hold’em. If I had the money I’d probably do that full time since the financial gains are better and the opponents don’t hit you.
Thank you very much for your time, and congratulations on your recent win!
Is anything else you would like to add? Include any sponsors you would like to mention?
Thanks to my wife and kids for there support, my father who is always there for me. My teammates at DVT, my Active Edge Muay Thai trainer, Soto Salon, Sacred Chao Tattoos, Accent Dental and to all who support me.
Sincerely,
Jack English
management@mmabadboy.com
When is your next fight and who against and where at?
