Editor’s note: James sent this along today (Wednesday); however, it is from his experience on Tuesday ... he's a little busy.
Well, it was off to Vegas this morning. My wife and I left our house around 8 a.m. to drive to the airport. Of course, we had to make a few stops to get a couple last minute things.
Our flight finally left Des Moines, Iowa, to Denver, Colo., at 11:30 a.m. Once we were there it was hurry up and wait. I can tell you that my wife now wants to kill me because I am getting grumpy because I can't eat any of the junk food in the airport.
At this time I have no idea what I am weighing and I don't like to eat junk leading up to a fight anyways so she has to grin and bare it as it gets worse and worse as the day goes on. Eventually we get on the plane and are off to "Sin City" for my fight against Brad Blackburn at UFC Fight Night 14 on July 19.
We landed around 2:30 p.m. Vegas time, which is 4:30 p.m. our time. And I haven't eaten anything yet so you can image how I am feeling. The second I land and turn on my phone it rings and it is the guy from the UFC saying he will be waiting for me at the baggage claim. It was nice to have someone waiting for you and to be able to get right to the hotel. They were also picking up Cale Yarbourgh at the same time so I got to meet him and he seemed like a very cool guy.
As soon as we got to the hotel it was right up to the UFC offices in the Palms. First thing they did was put me on the scale (this is where I meant Burt from the UFC ... he is extremely cool). He told me I didn't scare him too much being 13 pounds over at the time. My response was my weight was pretty low because I was stuck on a plane all day.
Next it was into the little office that they had set up to fill out a bunch of paperwork. I absolutely hate doing that kind of stuff. They just kept handing me more and more. Then right from there it was directly to do an interview for the Web site.
I will tell you that my brain wasn't functioning right at this point because of not eating all day and being on a plane. Needless to sat, but I wasn't really happy with how it turned out. When I say that I am talking about how my answers sounded not how it was ran.
Update: To check of the pre-fight video click here.
Just like that they were done with me for the day and it was off to check into my room. I got to the room and it was really nice but was disappointed that there was no fridge or microwave. I understand the reason there isn't because of all the places to eat here, but as someone who can't eat that stuff -- especially the next couple days -- it makes it hard.
First thing we did is find some food to eat and then it was back to the room to relax and make a bunch of phone calls. I just spent the rest of the night recovering from the trip, watching television and relaxing. Tomorrow (Wednesday) it is back to work and I have some other things to do for the UFC.
One last note: I met Anderson Silva today and that is exactly why I would never fight at 185 -- that guy is huge. Good luck, James Irvin.
James Giboo (11-2) is a professional mixed martial artist and Iowa science teacher who will make his Octagon debut against Brad Blackburn at UFC Fight Night 14 on July 19. He has competed extensively (and successfully) in the Midwest circuit, which has earned him a rare opportunity to now put his skills to the test against the top fighters in the world under the UFC banner. James will frequently detail his journey to the big time right here at MMAmania.com this week, providing our readers and his fans with a behind-the-scenes account of what it’s like to fight for the biggest mixed martial arts promotion on the planet for the first time. To check out more from James here at MMAmania.com click here.
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