T-Nation: So what's the best part about the fight day?
Marquardt: When the octagon door closes, for sure! No more waiting. Waiting is the worst. Walking out is exciting too. You get your blood really pumping and you know the wait is over.
T-Nation: Being a more reserved person, is it hard for you to "talk trash" during the pre-fight interviews?
Marquardt: No. Usually they'll ask you the type of question where you have to give a definitive answer. When they edit it and put it on the screen, it looks like you're making a statement, not answering a question.
In Japan, everything is through a translator, so whatever I said was fine. Because I'm so humble, we had to do a few takes in my first UFC fight. I understand what they're trying to do now and I have better answers.
T-Nation: What's it like backstage at fights? Do you ever see your opponent?
Marquardt: It's pretty separated, with most guys warming up and talking to their teammates and corner men. There's a chance you may run into someone walking into the bathroom, but most fighters ignore each other.
T-Nation: Have you ever fought a friend, like we see so often on The Ultimate Fighter TV show?
Marquardt: I've fought Kazuo Misaki twice, and trained with him for about a year a while back. We knew that there was a chance we'd fight because we were in the same weight class, so we just had to put it in the back of our heads while we trained.
But for the most part, I wouldn't fight a friend. When I fight, I'm in there trying to hurt the guy. The only way I would now is if there was enough money on the line where we could both think about setting up retirement funds.
T-Nation: Is there any fight you're most proud of?
Marquardt: There are a few. The first time I beat Misaki, seeing how he was a proven fighter and a tough guy. My first Pancrase belt was a great moment, as was my first UFC fight with Salaverry. I had a lot to prove and was pretty hyped up, so I knew I had to win.
T-Nation: Going back to The Ultimate Fighter, I've heard some MMA veterans say that the TUF guys get the easy road to the UFC. What's your opinion on TUF?
Marquardt: I think it's great for the sport. It's helped MMA get so much popularity. A lot of these guys are already world class fighters, so it helps them with their careers. Four of my training partners (Diego Sanchez, Rashad Evans, Keith Jardine, Dan Christison) are TUF alum, and they're all great fighters. Diego is probably next in line to get a title shot!
I was actually considering trying out for season two, but the UFC offered me a contract before the tryouts. I would've loved to go on the show as a fighter, and especially as a trainer.
T-Nation: Who are some of your favorite fighters?
Marquardt: Mostly guys I've trained with. Guys like Diego, Rashad, Keith, Duane "Bang" Ludwig, and Georges St-Pierre, who I just trained with last week.
T-Nation: I'm sure T-Nation readers would love to hear about your weightlifting and diet when getting ready for a fight.
Marquardt: My training changes all the time depending on when I'm fighting and who I'm fighting. When I first started lifting weights, I trained more like a bodybuilder and put on some decent size. However, I've completely changed that.
I do a lot of heavy powerlifts and Olympic lifts for strength and explosiveness when I'm still far out from a fight. I'll do full body training and circuits as the fight approaches to help with my conditioning. In the last few weeks, I'll do little weight training so I can focus purely on my fighting techniques.
As for diet, it doesn't really change much. I walk around between 195 and 200, so it's pretty easy to get down to 185 by cutting water. I eat a lot of carbs and protein, mainly chicken, fish, oatmeal, fruit, beef, and protein and carb replacement drinks, and I eat fairly often. I may have dessert once or twice a week at night when I'm far out from a fight, but I cut that out as the fight approaches.
T-Nation: What's the hardest you've ever been hit?
Marquardt: I've never been knocked out, only knocked down; I just got caught on my chin. However, Keith Jardine kicked me in the head during training a few weeks back and that made my arm go numb for a while.
T-Nation: Ever use your fighting skills in a street fight?
Marquardt: I try to avoid street fighting as much as possible, but a few years back I had to fight a guy. I didn't want to hurt him; it's just not fair to the guy, so I held him on the ground, you know, tried to control the situation until he gave up. I haven't been in a street fight in a long time though.
T-Nation: What do you like to do when you're not fighting or training?
Marquardt: I'm on the road a lot, so I just enjoy being home with my wife, daughter, and dog. We really enjoy just going to the movies and hanging out with close friends. On the road, I usually just like spending time with my teammates and going to movies.
T-Nation: Would you ever let your kids be fighters?
Marquardt: Yeah, I would, if that's what they wanted to do. I'd never make them, as nothing is guaranteed in this sport. You don't know if you'll make money, if you'll get hurt, or even get to a high level. They need to have a backup plan no matter what — things like a good education and other career options in case fighting didn't work out.
T-Nation: Well, it looks like it's working out for you! Thanks for the interview!
Source:
http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=1363458
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