By Brian Hemminger

I’d like to start a new feature of the site where we go out and talk to fighters who are just getting started in the sport of mixed martial arts.  Every great fighter was an amateur at some point in their career and this should provide a nice window into what goes on during this developmental phase.  I’d like to periodically check in on the fighters we interview as well and follow them along as they progress in the sport.

Mike Pugh is 24 years old, he grew up in Norwalk, Ohio.  He graduated from Mount Union college where he played football.  He currently fights in the welterweight division where he has an 0-1 amateur record with his loss being via split decision.  He currently lives and trains in the Cleveland area.

Brian Hemminger: What was your inspiration to get into mixed martial arts?

Mike Pugh: I did boxing for a while, watched a couple shows on SPIKE, and googled nearby MMA gyms.  I took a look at one, went to visit and did a free class.  I did real well and was one of the strongest guys in there.  My instructor told me I could definitely be good if i put forth the effort.  The rest is history.

BH: You had your first fight earlier this year, how long had you been training in the sport before that?

MP: I trained for 11 days and my fight was February 27th.  I fought a guy who had a strong background in Brazilian jiu jitsu.  I went all 3 rounds but lost in a split decision.  I was put into 2 armbars, and 2 rear naked chokes.  I got out of all of them, and while fighting for my life I hammer-fisted him and broke his jaw in the 3rd round.  I will not lie, I was bruised, battered, and beat up.  I was exhausted at the end.  If I had even a month of training, I would have beat my opponent in the 1st round.  Going in there not knowing much and having NO history of a ground game really went against me.

BH: What does your typical week look like?

MP: Monday 6-8pm is MMA training ( in the cage, rolling around, live rounds).  Tuesday is cardio kickboxing 6:30-8 pm.  Wednesday is Muay Thai 6-8 pm.  Thursday is MMA again 630-830pm.  Friday off.  Saturday 12-2 pm Open Mats. (BJJ roll around with everyone).  Sunday is MMA workout (strictly pullups, pushups, jumping jacks, cruches) 6-7:30 pm.

BH: Do you ever find it difficult to keep training week in and week out?

MP: It is very difficult.  Things come up.  I work many hours.  You have to fight through the pain, the soreness.  You really have to be tough and figure out bumps and bruises from being seriously hurt.  Thank God I have only been sore thus far.

BH: What job do you do on the side of MMA?

MP: I am a Senior Program Director at a YMCA in Cleveland, Ohio.  It has been tough lately because my “real job” has been smothering me and I have had to change my training times/days.  It is very tough becuase this one pays the bills!  It is a hard job to do when you’re trying to consistantly train and get ready for a fight.

BH: What is your gym like?

MP:  The gym is nice, all of us MMA guys are like brothers.  My trainer is Dominic Qurazzo.  I am very close with a guy named Andrew Jordan.  He fights 155lbs.  Him and I spar with each other.  Andrew is 3-0.

BH: Where do you feel you’ve improved the most ever since you started training?

MP: I was a good boxer, had a good ground game, but my BJJ was bad.  I have improved in all 3 but tremendously on my ground game and BJJ.  Those were the areas that needed the most improvement so it was easier to improve there.  I am trying to be the most well-rounded fighter I can be.

BH: What is the most frustrating thing about just starting out in the sport?

MP: By far most frustrating thing is that I want to FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT, but you can’t because if you’re not prepared you will do exactly what I did my first fight, lose.  I lost because I was not prepared.

BH: Is there anyone specifically that you look up to in the MMA world?

MP: Well i’m a huge fan of GSP (who isn’t?).  I do look up to my trainer a lot, and i have two partners I train with who have really helped me out along the way.  They have taught me things because they use to make the same mistakes.

BH: What are your long-term goals in MMA?

MP: I want to continue to become an MMA fighter.  I want to learn the art and history of BJJ and Muay Thai.  I could possibly make this a long-term career, but as of right now i’m taking it one day at a time.  I’m enjoying every training session and hoping to get a fight scheduled soon.

BH: Lastly, what kind of mindset do you think it takes to be a fighter?

MP: It is a very tough sport, both physically and definately mentally.  You must watch your opponent, feel him out, and then make your moves accordingly.  If he likes to box, take him to the ground, if he is a BJJ expert stay on your feet as much as possible.  I am trying to be a fighter where if you take me to the ground you will regret it, if you stay up with me toe to toe, you will regret it!  That is why I work on everything and polish all of my skills I’ve developed.

I wish Mike the absolute best as he marches on with his career.

If you are an amateur fighter and would like to have an interview for our site, please contact me at WorldExtremeFighter2@gmail.com