SeikanJudanski

Mark Kerr Interview
By Cindy Ortiz, April 22, 2006

Long considered one of the premier mixed martial artists in the world, Mark Kerr makes his return to cage fighting on May 6, 2006 in Denver, Colorado to compete for the ACF World Heavyweight Championship against Wes “The Project” Sims in an event appropriate entitled “Exodus!”

A celebrated collegiate wrestler, Kerr rolled through the competition in the Ultimate Fighting Championship® and when he entered the Pride Fighting Championship in 2000, Kerr had an undefeated professional fight record and was looking to take home the first ever Grand Prix tournament championship.

As documented by the highly acclaimed HBO documentary “The Smashing Machine,” this is when Kerr’s world started to fall apart. His personal life in turmoil and a life-threatening addiction to painkillers brought his once promising career to a halt. Now, more than two years since his last fight and nearly nine years since he has competed on American soil, “The One, The Only, The Original” Mark Kerr returns to the cage to get his career and life back on track.

Having stayed out of the limelight for the past couple of years, Mark had no idea just how huge an impact he has continued to have on the sport of MMA. After allowing HBO cameras unprecedented access to film roughly a year of his personal life as well as his life as a professional fighter, he thought the public interest in Mark “The Specimen” Kerr had disappeared shortly after The Smashing Machine made its debut. He couldn’t have been more wrong.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark recently and he caught me up on what his life has been like post TSM and how he feels about returning to the fight game to compete for the heavyweight title in just two weeks. Mark also expressed how he feels about being the inspiration that sparked the formation of the International Fight League (IFL), which he was not aware of until I brought it up. Still as gracious as ever, this is what Mark wanted to share with the MMA community. Enjoy!

Cindy: You sound happy, Mark! Catch me up on what life has been like for you since 2003.

Mark: Well I have an 18-month old son now. His name is Bryce Christian and, believe it or not, he’s a green-eyed blonde-haired olive skin kid!

Cindy: I recall you are Puerto Rican and…

Mark: Puerto Rican and Irish.

Cindy: You and Dawn both have great features and it sounds like Bryce got the best of both sides of the family tree. Are you still living in Phoenix?

Mark: I’m in Denver training. What happened, Cindy, is I went to the first ACF show and was very impressed by the quality of the production they put on. I’m talking great talent, a great crew, the whole nine yards. These folks run a very professional organization and like I said, I was very impressed; it has been a while! If you ever get the chance to check them out, you really should.

Anyway, I got into a conversation with the owner and felt like it was time I came “back home” because I haven’t competed in the United States since 1997. On thing led to another and I will be fighting Wes Sims for the ACF heavyweight title on May 6th.

Cindy: I will be checking American Championship Fighting (ACF) out when you fight Sims on May 6th and I’m really looking forward to it. A colleague of mine (Ken Pishna) is with the ACF organization and his presence alone convinced me they must be a top notch MMA promotion. Have you missed competing, Mark?

Mark: Yes, I have… very much! I guess it’s one of those things that never quite gets out of your system. The urge to compete and to test myself never really left me. It’s in my DNA (laughter)!

Cindy: When word spread you would be getting back into the fight game, the online MMA message boards became inundated with threads about you and the anticipation of a press release or something confirming your return was way up there! What kind of reception have you personally been getting?

Mark: Cindy, it’s been great. I have been very surprised and touched by how supportive the fans have been because sometimes the public tends to have short memories, especially for athletes, and any sort of a break from the game can lead to being forgotten. That hasn’t been my experience, which I am just now finding out, and I consider myself to be very fortunate.

Cindy: What do you contribute your good fortune to?

Mark: In part, I would have to say because of the HBO documentary The Smashing Machine. Millions and millions of people saw it and were exposed to the fight game for the very first time. I was the first athlete in a true combat sport to be introduced to “mainstream America,” and people have shared with me how they believe my story will be etched in their minds forever.

Cindy: Did you expect for people to be as wild about you coming back as they are?

Mark: No, I didn’t. I’m so flattered and humbled by people’s reactions and the support has been amazing. I am very fortunate and I know that. I think any fighter at the time that would have allowed a camera crew unprecedented access to their lives to expose everything… the warts and all, could have possibly had the same impact as I did. I guess I was the lucky one.

Cindy: Now Mark, you don’t think your “warts” were a little more dynamic than those of the “average Joe?”

Mark: (laughter) Well, yeah… I can’t say “there was never a dull moment” because ALL of the moments back then were dull because of the pain narcotics I became addicted to.

Cindy: Are you clean these days?

Mark: Yeah, I am. Actually, I’ve been clean for quite some time. I pretty much traded one vise for another, but I’m not complaining!

Cindy: And what is that, Mark?

Mark: Bryce Christian!

Cindy: Ah! Now you know what true love is, huh?

Mark: Yeah, I mean, he’s amazing. That little guy is a gift and life is different, in a good way. A baby makes you realize how insignificant so much in this world really is and being a parent is an awesome responsibility. Now all I want to do is “feel.”

Cindy: That’s great! What have you been doing career wise since 2003 when The Smashing Machine came out?

Mark: The first year I was playing Mr. Mom and loving every minute of it! Then at the beginning of last year, my wife and I started our divorce proceedings. The custody battle went on for nine months and it got really ugly. Finally, I just couldn’t stand it anymore so I just gave her custody, the house and the car, etc.

Cindy: How often do you see Bryce?

Mark: As often as I can. We’re still “tweaking” the arrangements and I am a very proactive parent; I just want him to have the best of both worlds so he’ll be happy.

Cindy: That’s important, so good luck with that, Mark. What line of work have you been in as of late?

Mark: Private personal training. I enjoy it quite a bit but the itch to get back into the fight game persisted, and after the divorce became final early this year and I moved, well, I just decided to go for it!

Cindy: Is fighting Sims a come back attempt or is it just a one time thing?

Mark: I’m back! I’m busting my ass to get in the best possible shape I can and it’s not like I have been sitting back doing nothing for three years. I have stayed pretty well conditioned and doing personal training for a select group of clients has kept me active. The level of fitness I need to achieve to make sure I’m ready for this fight is taking a lot of hard work and commitment on my part, and I have my work cut out for me. Having said that, I can promise you… and I mean promise you and the fans I will be more than ready! I’m in such a good place in my life right now and I want the ACF belt around my waist. I’m sure Wes Sims does, too, and he’s going to have to fight harder than he ever has in his life if he wants his hand raised at the end of the fight!

I like the people involved in this organization and they really care about the fighters and seem to be dedicated to promoting the sport of MMA in a positive light.

Cindy: Speaking of MMA promotions, have you heard of an organization called the International Fight League (IFL)?

Mark: No, I don’t think so. I have stayed away from the internet for a couple of years and (laughter) my mental health is much better these days!

Cindy: You have missed some great news then, Mark! The IFL is the most unique MMA organization out there because it has many of the same characteristics that are found in major sports leagues like the NBA, MLB and the NFL.

Mark: Really?

Cindy: Yep! In the beginning, the team concept (five fighters from five different weight divisions), mascots, team names, uniforms and a seasonal schedule raised some eyebrows because MMA is traditionally a one-on-one sport. Once the coaches were announced and a lot of the other details were explained, the MMA community now seems to be embracing the IFL because of the many advantages it provides the fighters.

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SeikanJudanski

Mark: It kind of sounds like collegiate wresting. Who’s coaching?

Cindy: The first four teams are led by Renzo Gracie, Maurice Smith, Pat Miletich and Bas Rutten. I think they’re announcing another four teams and their coaches at the first event on April 29th in Atlantic City. The industry support, overall, has been strong for the IFL and the fighters earning a spot on the teams will receive a guaranteed paycheck, health and medical benefits as well as other incentives.

Mark: Wow, I guess I have missed a lot.

Cindy: The formation of the IFL was a direct result of you and The Smashing Machine, Mark.

Mark: Me?

Cindy: Absolutely! One of the owners, Kurt Otto, was watching TSM one night with his brother, Keith. The trials and tribulations you experienced and the hardships most fighters face at the end of their careers were painfully obvious. Otto, a successful businessman with a second degree black belt in tae-kwon-do and former wrestler just like you, believed that in order for the athletes competing in MMA to be treated with the same level of respect and recognition as professional athletes in other sports, the industry needed to adapt to a league environment like the other pro sports.

Mark: Wow… I don’t even know what to say, Cindy

Cindy: Well, Otto knew he couldn’t dictate what an entire industry should do and felt that many of the existing MMA promotions already had something great to offer the sport, even though their ideas were different than his. With this in mind, he hooked up with his buddy, Gareb Shamus, CEO of Wizard Entertainment Group and formed the IFL after almost a solid year of hardcore research and the acquisition of some of the greatest pioneer’s and icons this sport have ever known! And it all started with you!

Mark: That’s just… wow! That’s unbelievable! I had no idea and I really don’t know what to say.

Cindy: Kurt was in Arizona on business last year and tried to find you so you would know. He made a few stops where people thought you might be, but your paths didn’t cross. He shared this with me when I interviewed him and Shamus and I told them I’d find you. That was no easy task (laughter)!

Mark: Sorry about that but thanks for continuing to look because, wow… I can’t… I guess I’m still trying to take it all in (laughter)! I couldn’t even have imagined a league for MMA fighters in the first place. Knowing I helped to contribute to it in a small way makes me more thankful than ever that I did The Smashing Machine.

Cindy: I watched it again the other night while prepping for the interview and was reminded just what a badass you are! Is that the same Mark Kerr fans can expect to see on May 6th when you fight Wes Sims?

Mark: Actually, I think everyone’s going to see a “new and improved” Mark Kerr.

Cindy: What will having a title around your waist really represent to you, if you win?

Mark: It will feel good, but it will really mean something if I can defend it like four or five times because “consistency is defined in greatness over time.” Having another title around my waist will mean a lot because it’s just been a really difficult past couple of years. I mean, I have gained so much more than I have lost, but it has still been very tough.

Cindy: You actually sound like you’re happy and full of hope. Is that accurate?

Mark: Absolutely, Cindy. I’m in a much better place in my life now and I’m excited about exploring the possibilities and opportunities I have in front of me. I’m looking forward to any new doors that may open for me in the future.

Cindy: The sport of MMA is much more competitive today than it was when you were in the game.

Mark: Then I’m looking forward to the competition. Going to the gym and sparring and training has been my outlet. It’s not work to me; it’s a way of life. I am stepping up my game and, with the exception of Bryce, training and fighting again is pretty much all I think about.

Cindy: Are you training hard for the fight, and who are you training with?

Mark: I’m training at Grappler's Edge with Sheldon Marr. He’s been providing a great group of people for me to train with. Chad is the MMA guys and he just doesn’t take it easy on me (laughter)! I can’t thank these guys enough because they are helping me so much and their conditioning and work ethic is phenomenal!

Cindy: Are you clean?

Mark: Yes!

Cindy: Are you confident?

Mark: Yes!

Cindy: Do you think you can beat Wes Sims?

Mark: No… I don’t think I can beat Sims; I know I can! I’ll put it this way, Cindy; if they locked us in a room… I would definitely be the man coming out! Without a doubt!

Cindy: There are quite a few people expressing concern about your weight. It seems a few recent pictures of you have been posted on some of the online MMA sites and you appear to be much smaller than were in the past. How much of a difference are we really talking about?

Mark: I used to fight around 250-255 lbs. Right now, I’m walking around at about 220-225 lbs. Come fight night, people are going to see me at a solid 230 lbs. They’ll see a strong, well conditioned, agile, focused and injury-free Mark Kerr when I enter the Ocho to fight Wes Sims.

I will defeat him. I will be the one with his arm raised who is declared the winner. I will be the first ACF heavyweight champion and the belt will stay around my waist for what I predict will be a good while.

Cindy: At your age, how many more years do you think you will be able to compete professionally?

Mark: Had I been fighting rigorously over the past 5-6 years, my body might be riddled with injuries that cause aches and pains since recovery becomes an issue with age. That hasn’t been the case, though, and my body is telling me I still have some game left in me and I plan on taking advantage of it. I love this sport, I love to compete and I love the fans that have supported me for so many years, plus I’m getting back into it for all the right reasons. Fighting is my passion and I’m excited about my future.

Cindy: Now you got me all excited about it, too (laughter)!

Mark: Good! I hope the people who read this interview get excited, too (laughter)! I have a great team of guys behind me and the level of support I have been getting is just absolutely unbelievable!

Cindy: Mark, when all of this is said and done, hopefully many years from now, how do you want to be remembered at the end of your life?

Mark: I want to be remembered for two things; as a good man and as a great father.

Cindy: And if you don’t win on May 6th?

Mark: Then I’ll begin again on May 7th!

Cindy: Well Mark, I’m definitely looking forward to the fight, especially since it represents your return to the sport of MMA. You are, without a doubt, one of our most beloved icons and I’m excited to see what the future holds for you!

Mark: Thanks Cindy. I’m looking forward to getting back in the fight game and the ACF heavyweight belt is mine come May 6th. I just want to thank everyone who has continued to support me and all the guys at Grappler’s Quest who have been kicking my ass to make sure I’m ready for Sims.

Cindy: Well, I’ll be in Denver covering the event and I have a feeling I’ll be seeing you at the International Fight Leagues inaugural event in Atlantic City on April 29th.

Mark: That would be cool! Thanks again!

It has been confirmed that Mark Kerr will be a special guest at the IFL April 29th event in Atlantic City, New Jersey at the Trump Taj Mahal. Tickets are on sale now and available

Weigh-in: April 28, 2006, 5:00 PM est Location: Casbah Night Club, Taj Mahal (open to public)

Fight Date: April 29, 2006 Location: Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, NJ

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SmashingMachine

Sweet, I'm stoked! Does anybody know if it will be on PPV?

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SeikanJudanski

Looks like Mark is ready to smash Sim´s head. One thing which is most positive about this is he got away from his wife, and what do you know..he is back on track. He should have gotten rid of her 7 years ago. I have no idea if his fight will be PPV, and if it is, I won´t be able to get it out here in Europe. I´m still hoping they televise the IFL.

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SmashingMachine

You are so right! She was a friggin' nutcase and did nothing but serve as a major distraction to Mark. He'd won a lot of those fights he lost, had it not been for her, in my opinion. Hopefully, it's not too little too late, and he can make a great rebound in MMA.

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subgenius

He sounds like he is ready to take MMA over by storm -- good for him.

I hope he wins...

ACF? I am not familiar with them. I hope they do a PPV.

Here is their website: TheACF.net

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BJ Penn stole my SHOE!!!