INTERVIEW WITH KEVIN ENGLISH

Unfortunately, local fighter Kevin English did not win Fight Magazine’s “Full-Time Fighter Experience”. While he’s won’t be going to Vegas to train with Shawn Tompkins and Xtreme Couture, English definitely has other plans for the near future. We spoke with him recently about those plans, and some other MMA news.

Kevin English Interview

Q: Now that the contest is over and you aren’t going to Vegas, what’s next for you as far as training is concerned? Does this alter your plans?

Kevin English: Well I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. I’m just going to start training a bit harder and more often. I just finished the academy for the Indiana Dept. Of Corrections and should get both work and training better scheduled. I’m training at Braillio Corrals in Scherrville and like what Ive seen so far. They have a lot of young talent and plenty of guys there that can improve my game.

Q: You last fought at C3 in February. Do you plan on fighting again before year’s end?

Kevin English: Yes 100%, I want at least 2 more before the end of the year. I haven’t booked anything yet, but when I do, I will be ready better than ever before no matter who I face!

Q: MMA is an “All-in” game these days. How difficult will it be to continue your career with a family and a full-time job?

Kevin English: That’s the hardest part, juggling it all. I feel guilty taking time away from my wife and kids to train, and my body feels the toll. I pray that one day it will just all pay off and I can be a great example to my kids! I’ve had to juggle the family life, working and fighting for quite sometime. The times I was able to fight full time, we (my family) were struggling with money, so I really haven’t that opportunity to put all my time into fighting like I’d like too. I will just keep plugging away!

Q: Switching it up a bit, who are your favorite MMA fighters?

Kevin English: Well, my all time favorite fighter is Randy Couture. He is just a an all-around role model, the way he carries himself in and out of the cage. Technically speaking, I’d have to say GSP and Anderson.

Q: BJ Penn recently accused GSP of doing steroids. With the way MMA tests for steroids, is it possible for fighters to cycle on and off and still test clean after the fight?

Kevin English: I wouldn’t know first hand. I have never taken anything other than supplements over the counter. But I’ve heard many stories that fighters are doing it. I’m sure there are bigger named guys that are doing it and to be honest that’s on them. It’s their bodies and they should be able to do what they want with them. Now I don’t think its fair either, if they’re doing it and there opposition is naturally training.

Q: Any final thoughts?

Kevin English: Just a big thank you to the UG, my family, friends, Chicago’s MMA and everyone that was pushing for me to win this. It’s no biggie. I will train and get back into the mix of things, and see where I land. If anything, I’ve been able to fight all over, fight many good fighters and have done big things in the sport. I’m just happy to know that I have a lot of people backing me.