Issue 085
February 2012
Holla! The UFC’s bantamweight champion, and future TUF 15 coach, says hip-hop beats inspire his wild fight style
Do you have a signature walkout song?
“I do but mainly because it’s such a pain in the butt to get any new song approved every time you want to fight on a show. So I just use the same song ‘cos it pertains to me really well. It’s called Remember My Name, by Maino.
Does that track get you pumped?
“It does everything, it gets my focus, it gets me amped, it revs me up. When that song comes on I know it’s game time and, to be honest, it puts a smile on my face. That’s the main thing. Part of the reason why I love this sport so much and the position I’m in is I’m doing this so people can remember my name. I want to be remembered.”
What is your favorite style of music?
“Mostly I listen to hip-hop or rap music. Everybody usual says the cliché answer of ‘I listen to everything’ but I don’t listen to anything except hip-hop, rap R’n’B and even some reggae.”
What music do you dislike?
“Country. I can’t stand it. I just don’t relate to it at all. I mean, I’m from Tucson, Arizona, and a lot of people out there listen to country, bit it’s just never been my thing. I am not much of a two-stepper, you know what I’m saying?”
Do you have a favorite artist?
“It’s hard to pick one but I definitely like Clipse, Plan B, Scarface, Lil’ Wayne – he’s always awesome, although perhaps a bit mainstream now.”
Do you train listening to music?
“Definitely. I think I relate and enjoy rap and hip-hop the most because I use it as a fuel when I train. It’s especially helpful with my footwork. I lot of people say that I’m out there dancing when I fight but really fighting, in the stand-up area, is all about fighting to a rhythm. Take a look at the best boxers in the world and they all have outstanding rhythm. That’s something any good MMA fighter will steal from the boxers and kickboxers out there. I want that rhythm in my stand-up game and music undoubtedly helps me achieve that.”
What do you use as an MP3 player?
“I just use my phone more than anything else. I have Pandora on there and just download a minimal amount of music and that really works from me. I just put in my favorite artist and let that pick a song for me.”
SHUFFLE
HIT SHUFFLE AND NAME THE FIRST FIVE SONGS THAT COME UP. NO CHEATING
Bun-B feat. Scarface and Young Jeezy, Pushin
“This is probably one of my all time favorite tracks. This is a workout song, it’s got a sick rhythm to it. When you listen to the lyrics they are talking about pushing through tough times.”
Maino, Remember My Name
“This is one of those songs that really pumps me up, it’s great for lifting weights. It makes me feel powerful. I’m ready to fight, I’m ready to bang. Like today, this song came on and helped me set a record on the elliptical and I feel in great shape. It’s thanks to songs like this that I get zoned in.”
50 Cent, I Smell P***y
“I didn’t make up the name for the song, but the track itself is outstanding. It’s one of my favorite songs (laughs). My mom probably wouldn’t be too happy about the name of it either, but I bet you she’d be moving her hips once she heard the music. I heard in high school and it’s got memories attached to it which I recall every time I hear it.”
Bun-B feat. T-Pain, Trillionaire
“This is actually my ringtone. The first words to come out of that song are: ‘I know they’re hating on me ‘cos am the man.’ And it’s like whenever the phone rings and you here just the opening few seconds of your ringtone well I hear those lyrics and its another little motivational thing. I hear it all day whenever somebody calls me and its like a brainwashing thing, and reminds me not to worry about it. Not to let the haters get to me.”
Drake, I’m Ready For You
“This is really one of my chill songs, for when I am just kicking back. It’s another of my favorite tracks. Drake has some awesome stuff and I feel like I really relate to a lot of Drake’s music because he’s a younger guy like myself and he came up in the game real quick and became the man and I feel like I know exactly where he’s coming from. He’s definitely on a different plain when it comes to fame and notoriety than I am of course, but I still relate.”
