I’ve done many interviews for articles in the past, but possibly none as unique as the most recent. In my UFC career, I’ve fought some of the toughest guys on the planet. And I don’t use that as hyperbole. It’s true. Fact. Champions and almost champions of the world. Weird to think about as I sit here in my kitchen typing, anxiously awaiting my son and daughter waking up, speedily typing in the process.
In the most recent Spaniard interview published, I was asked what it was like to get hit by Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, commonly agreed to be the scariest man in the UFC. I fought Rumble at 170 lbs., and not too long after our fight, he fought Andrei Arlovski at heavyweight (and won).
I vividly remember seeing his foot leave the ground coming toward my face, but my brain-muscle connection was not working. I thought, “Pick your hands up, block the kick”, but I couldn’t. I ate his shin.
What’s it like? It’s like fighting a big, strong human being. It’s odd to say, but I was the farthest thing from scared. There was no fear. I put in the work to win that fight.
I believed in the work, and myself.
Do the work. Believe in yourself. Then, every “fight” you have will be just another day…unless, by chance, you have to fight Rumble ;)
In today’s AM Excellence, I expand on this topic and article. You can listen to AMX188 “Fighting Fear” here.
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About the author : cbrenneman
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
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It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
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