My interview with Carlos Condit

via cdn2.sbnation.com

He's one of the top MMA fighters in the game today. He is Carlos Condit and began his career when he 18. Carlos trains at the esteemed Jackson's Submission Fight Team out of Albuquerque, NM. He has an impressive record of 27-5. Condit has an agressive nature of fighting and a knack for finishing fights. In fact, his first 17 fights were all finished in the first round. Out of his 27 wins, only 1 has come by decision.

Carlos has accomplished a lot at the young age of 27. He was a runner-up at the Rumble on the Rock 8 man Welterweight Tournament in 2006. Condit next went on to fight for the WEC in 2007. At WEC 26, Carlos defeated John Alessio for the vacant WEC Welterweight Title. He would go on the defend the belt 3 times before the WEC welterweights were absorbed into the UFC.

Condit is 4-1 to date for his run in the UFC. His only loss was a very close decision to Martin Kampmann in his UFC debut in April 2009. A fight that could of went either way. His exciting fighting style has earned him 2 Knockout of the Night bonuses and 1 Fight of the Night bonus in those 5 fights. Carlos is next expected to face B.J. Penn at UFC 137 in October. It is beleived that a win over Penn will earn him a shot at the UFC Welterweight Title.

I was able to get in contact with Condit. He allowed me to briefly interview him via the internet. Carlos often connects with his fans on Twitter. His Twitter name is @CarlosCondit. He can also be reached at www.carloscondit.me. Carlos Condit t-shirts & merchandising is also available. Condit's Signature shirt from Headrush is available at many mma clothing sites across the net. I have included my questions for Carlos and his answers below.

Q : What influenced you to start training MMA?

CC: I was into martial arts froma young age, ninja turtles and JCVD movies and such. Saw ufc when I was 9 and was hooked.

Q : When was your first pro fight? Where?

CC: Did my first pro fight when I was 18 in Juarez, Mexico.

Q : How much time(per week) is dedicated to your training?

CC: When I'm in camp I train approx 3 hrs a day 5-6 days a week. Sometimes more.

Q : How do you keep yourself motivated?

CC: I absolutely love what I do, so I'm pretty motivated in general. But when I need a push, my family is a great source of inspiration.

Q : What is your "walk around" weight, say at the beginning of camp? and do you ever see yourself moving up to MW?

CC: I walk around @ around 190. WW is a perfect division for me, thats where I'll finish out my career.

Q : What do you enjoy doing in the rare moments away from training, fighting?

CC: When I have free time I hang out with my son, watch documentaries, go shooting, go fishing, read random stuff on wikipedia.

Q : If you defeat BJ and your next fight is NOT a title fight, is there anyone you'd like to fight? or a loss you'd like to avenge?

CC: If I beat BJ I will probably get a title shot. If for whatever reason I don't, I'd like to avenge my loss to Shields.