The UFC Hall of Famer talks family, farming and camouflage.
Q: Your latest venture is Cage Fitness, can you tell us about that?
Matt: “Cage Fitness is a group training program inspired by MMA training, specifically interval training using ‘rounds’.
The exercises in rounds use a 40lb patent pending fitness dummy with handles, so participants can lift the bag for bicep curls, back rows, dead lifts, weighted squats and much more. Fighters use interval training to prepare for fights; supercharging fitness, boosting metabolism, and burning off extra fat.”
Q: What gave you the idea?
“I’m a huge proponent of health and fitness. When I was in college I pursued a degree in physical education, so I wanted to teach people how to reach their fitness goals. I travel to Washington DC yearly to lobby for exercise programs in grade schools.
It seemed natural to design a program that would combat the obesity epidemic.”
Q: Your choke on Ricardo Almeida at UFC 117 was spectacular, can you talk us through it?
“I landed a left hook and he went down, then I ran over and sunk in the front choke. It’s an old wrestling move that I’ve perfected. When I ran to grab him I got under his left arm and put my left arm around his neck. I squeezed his arm against his neck and my left arm the other side of his neck then started walking myself counter clockwise tightening the choke. I stay on my feet to maintain power in my upper body. It’s important that you’re not sprawled all the way out with your hips on the ground. It’s a great tool to have.”
Q: Was it something that took time to perfect in the gym?
“Being a wrestler, I’ve always felt comfortable on the ground. It’s my ‘stand up’ game that has taken time. Just take a look at my last fight, I made one mistake with BJ [Penn] and he knocked me out.”
Q: What do you think of to keep you going when the hurt is on?
“I often say ‘to every counter there is a counter’, so I’m thinking of a way out.”
Q: How often do you get to relax with a beer, if at all?
“I have a drink now and again but it’s not something that’s a regular part of my diet.”
Q: Have you actually tried making your own whiskey, as per your theme A Country Boy Can Survive? If so, how did it go?
“No, ha ha! I know I’m from the country but… not quite like that!”
Q: Do you enjoy hunting with a compound bow?
“Well, it’s more challenging. Some of the rifles I have can hit their target from 800 meters away! When you are bow hunting you have to be much closer which then brings so many other elements into the equation.”
Q: What’s your favorite camouflage?
“Mossy Oak Break Up pattern. There is also a lesser known Christian camouflage that is intriguing called God’s Country Camouflage.”
Q: Does working on the farm contribute to your well-being?
“Sure, I’d go crazy if I had a desk job. It reminds me of when I was a kid and it is invigorating to work hard and be outside.”
Q: Can you tell us about your relationship with your twin brother?
“We’ve had our ups and downs. My dad would always say when we were young and fighting one another that, ‘You boys don’t realize it now, but you are fighting your best friend.’ And it is true: we still have our days, but I know if I needed something or vice versa we would have one another’s back. Wouldn’t trade growing up with a twin that was as competitive and strong as me for the world. He helped make me who I am.”
Q: When you were starting out, did you imagine MMA would be as big as it is now?
“No way. My first fight was for $100 in a High School gym and I think my next fight was for maybe $200.”
Q: What’s the biggest misconception the public have of you and how much does it bother you?
“Misconceptions don’t really bother me. I just try to have fun and enjoy my life. I think that people put me on a pedestal, but the reality is, I’m an average guy from a small town. If I weren’t good at fighting I’d probably be swinging a hammer on my family farm.”
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