With the approach of UFC 58 just around the corner, I thought I would track down Mike Swick who is coming back from injuring his MCL which prohibited him from fighting in Ultimate Fight Night 3 in January. All indications point to a furious comeback into the octagon from Mike Swick. His upcoming bout with Canadian Steve Vigneault, may prove to be one that will force Swick to go the distance. Then again perhaps not, Swick has been a very busy guy with training, his many responsibilities with the UFC, and of course, through all of this must prepare emotionally, physically and mentally for this fight. Mike Swick has had a great career and I personally believe he is going to be an athlete that will create the kind of energy, talent and fan appeal that the UFC can never have enough of. 

Swick defeating Gideon Ray

Swick possesses pinpoint striking ability, the ability to take his opponents weakness and utilize it against them. I think that for me what stands out the most with this athlete is that he explodes with composure in the eye of the storm and that is something that rocks that primal urge in me that overdoses my brain with adrenaline. One thing is for sure, Swick’s young career has been one of a demonstration of tuning up opponents with no regard for the challenges they propose and when asked about his one and only loss and to avenging it his answer was simple and to the point. As Swick continues to make a magnanimous swath through all that challenge him my advice is to sit down, shut up and hold on!!! Mike Swick is a force to reckon with and is by no means even started to unleash his arsenal in the octagon. This is in short what he has to say, very modest in his answers, after all has been said and done, more will be done than what is said.
 
MMARR: What’s the biggest adjustment in your life over the last year?

MS: Publicity, I think. I am doing a lot of publicity type stuff that I
         never did before.

BA: How is your physical health?

MS: 100%

BA: Who is your inspiration?
 
MS: My drive to be the sucessful.

BA: If you could do one thing over again in your MMA career what if any would it be?

MS: Not sure. Even the mistakes have taught me a bunch.

BA: How is your relationship with Chris Leban?
 
MS: It’s ok. We get along.

BA: Where and who do you train with now?
 
MS: I train at The American Kickboxing Academy. My coaches are Lynn Schutz, Javier Mendez, Bob Cook, and Dave Camarillo. My teammates are Jon Fitch, Paul Buentello, Mike Kyle, Josh Koscheck, Josh Thomson, Bobby Southworth, Trevor Prangley, Matt Majors, etc...

BA:I believe you WERE one of the most under-rated fighters in the game, what are your goals to dismiss that mentality to any of the skeptics?
                       
MS:Just keep proving myself in the ring, one fight at a time.

BA: How is the UFC as an organization from your perspective, aside from the obvious in that they have brought this sport to a level of pending mainstream?

MS: The UFC is great. They are making the sport what we all hoped itwould be one day.
 
BA: What does your diet and conditioning consist of?
 
MS: I eat healthy when preparing for a fight. I do a bunch of conditioning as well. I run, use the eliptical, and airdyne.

BA: Do you have any remarks concerning the last UFC?
 
MS: It was a great show. Randy is a legend and will be missed.

BA: What are yout thoughts of the up coming bout with Mr. Vigneault?
 
MS: I am very excited for it. I have been sidelined with injuries for a while and it is good to be back at 100%. It is going to be a great fight.

BA: Are you concerned about any of his abilities and what if any adjustments have you made to fight him?
 
MS: I think he is well rounded and, I am expecting everything.

BA: What are your interests aside from the sport?
 
MS: Traveling and poker.

BA: What does your family think of your success? Do they support it?
 
MS: They are very supportive...

BA: Where do you see the sport going from here?
 
MS: Who knows. The sky is the limit!

BA: Share with us some insight about Mike Swick that the we may not know?
 
MS: I love Ben And Jerrys Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream!

BA: You have really only had one fight go the distance, what or who do you attribute your success to?
 
MS: There are too many to name.

BA: Do plan to attempt to negotiate a fight to avenge your only loss?
 
MS: Yes.

BA: Frank Shamrock moved on from AKA, what if any impact did that have on you and AKA?

MS: He was the reason I came to AKA initially, he has moved on now.

BA: What are your thoughts about Franks position of the UFC? Do you stay in touch at all?

MS: Nah, its not my business.

BA: Do you have an interest in commentating, or acting as an alternate means of utilizing your skills?
                 
MS:  Right now, I am only thinking about fighting.
 
BA: What was your occupation in the past before you became a UFC celebrity?

MS: I owned a pressure washing company.

BA: Is there anyone in particular that you would really want to fight?
 
MS: Whoever has the belt when I get there.

BA: Are there any fights you really have a passion to see take place?
 
MS: St. Pierre and BJ. Cant wait!

BA: Have a girlfreind and if so what does she think?
 
MS: Yes, I do. She is very supportive.

BA: Anything else you would like to provide as far as content would be welcomed.

MS: Thanks, for the interview. I also want to thank my sponsor Xyience.  If you want more news, pictures, and videos, check out my webpage at  www.mikeswick.com. I am also on Myspace now too! (www.myspace.com/mikeswick).