Terry Etim Interview

Terry Etim took time out of his training schedule to speak with Dean Weir for MMA Hit Pit :-

DW : How is your preparation for the upcoming clash with Justin Buchholz at UFC 99 ?
Terry : Training has gone really well for this fight. I am looking forward to showing all the fans how much I have improved since my last fight.

DW : Most of the American audience have seen you as a Submission fighter but your fights against Cobb and Stout appear to have changed their opinion.
Do you see yourself as a "stand up" guy or a genuine "submission" fighter ?
Terry : I see myself as a well rounded fighter,I'm comfortable wherever the fight goes.

DW : How do you see your fight against Buchholz going ?
Terry : I see it be a very fast an explosive fight,Justin comes to fight and so do I. It should be an entertaining fight.

DW : How do you feel your progress has gone in the UFC and how do you see your future with them ??
Terry :  I feel I have been making steady progess,my game is improving with every fight. I have just signed a new four fight contract so I need to keep working hard and keep winning fights.

DW : You had the opportunity to fight in the US last year - how does that differ from preparing and fighting in the UK ?
Terry : It was great to get the opportunity to fight in America. Obviously, in America, the sport is more mainstream so its a lot bigger out there but as you've seen over the last couple of shows in the UK, the sport seems to be really taking off at the moment and all the fans have been great.

DW : Do you believe that experience will help in furthering your UFC career ?
Terry : Yes, I feel that the experience I have gained in fights has improved my game.

DW : What is your diet generally and when leading up to a fight ?
Terry : I try and keep a healthy diet but I don't struggle with my weight, so I do throw in the odd treat, lol

DW : As you know Paul Kelly has dropped down to 155 - do you see a fight with him being made by the UFC ?
Terry : Many people are asking this question. Paul is a good friend of mine and I don't see us fighting each other.

DW : Kaobon is obviously your home gym, do you, or, have you travelled to train elsewhere ?
Terry : I have trained in America with Marc Laimon, and Brazil which were both great experiences.

DW : Joe Rogan commented during your last fight with Brian Cobb, that you are the "lightweight Anderson Silva", how do you feel about that comment ?
Terry : It was great to be compared to him as he is one of the best, but I try not to listen to any hype and just keep improving.

DW : Rogan also commented something along the lines of "if you had more experience of BJJ and the rubber guard then you could take your game to the next level"?
Terry : The rubber guard is a very good system and something which I am trying to study.

DW : Do you think that TUF, and especially the recent series has highlighted the quality of British MMA fighters ?
Terry : Yes, the UK team are very good fighters and they are doing the UK proud.

DW : Are there any promising fighters here at Kaobon that the we should be looking out for in the near, or long-term future ?
Terry : Yes, there are many good fighters at Kaobon who are going to break through to the big stage so watch this space. Martin Stapleton has been a great addition to the team and has a great future.

DW : If offered a Million pound never to fight again - would you take it ?
Terry : No chance, I live and breathe MMA.

DW : Liverpool or Everton ?
Terry : Is that even a question. Obviously, Liverpool !!! lol

DW : Pizza or Curry ?
Terry : Curry

DW : DVD or Cinema ?
Terry : DVD

DW : Bisping or Henderson ?
Terry : Bisping

DW : It's been great meeting you again Terry and thanks for taking the time to speak with me.