I was at Fighthouse in NYC yesterday to interview UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and light heavyweight contender Michael Bisping as they both get ready for their respective matches at UFC 75 on Sept. 8 in London.
A full day of interviews and PR engagements had both of these fighters itching to get out of this west side gym and to a restaurant.
"I've been up since seven and I haven't eaten in hours," said Bisping, who was throwing on his shoes and walking with me to get interviewed at around 5 p.m. Despite the long day, The Ultimate Fighter: Season 3 winner gave us time for the interview and was a total gentlemen. Bisping fights fellow TUF 3 contestant Matt Hamill in London.
Jackson, who fights Pride middleweight and light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson at UFC 75, was being his normal jovial self and was roasting anyone and everyone that stood near him. He jokingly pulled off two WWF body slams for our camera, picking up and gently slamming someone on the gym mat.
With the UFC light heavyweight championship belt sitting on the ring apron, I had to ask:
"Yo champ," I said. "You mind if I check this out?"
Rampage shot back: "Go ahead, man."
I wasn't about to pick it up and wear it over my shoulder ala Randy Savage, but I checked out the design, the jewels that are embeded in it and the gold. Very cool.
During an interview with Jackson, who is maybe the best quote in all of mixed martial arts, you can ask one question and just let him go. But you still have to stay on your toes, because he'll ask you something right back.
Before I left, I spoke with Jackson's teacher and manager, Juanito Ibarra. Notice how I said "teacher" and not "trainer" because as Ibarra would say: "A trainer trains animals, I teach athletes."
As Jackson's standup coach, Ibarra spoke with me about the differences between boxing and MMA boxing. Everything Ibarra says is important for the purposes of the interview. There is no small talk. Judging by the way their personalities are, Ibarra appears to be the calming presence for the UFC light heavyweight champion. We even spoke about some of the holes he found in Chuck Liddell's game that helped Jackson win the belt. He knows his sport and knows his fighter.
I will edit and post the videos from these interviews in the next couple of days. Stay posted. Thanks.