Here is an exclusive interview with Mike Swick by our resident editor, Jayson Emo.
Jayson: I won't waste your time being star struck so lets get down to some questions. What got you started in Martial arts ?
MS: Watching martial arts movies as a boy... haha
Jayson: Now you train under the tutelage of some of the best martial artists on the globe Bob Cook, Dave Caramillo, and Javier Mendez. How have they helped you grow as a fighter ?
MS: They have made me the fighter I am today.
Jayson: Your fights against Alex and Gideon are two of the fastest fights in UFC history. Are you surprised at how quick you knock people out or do you expect it from yourself ?
MS: You are always suprised and happy when that happens... I do try and keep a very aggressive pace.
Jayson: Anderson Silva dethroned Rich Franklin in what can only be described as an ass whoopin. Alot of people felt you should have gotten the title shot before Silva. What do you think ?
MS: Nothing I can do about it now. It will be good to see him in another fight
and I hope Lutter gets him down to show his current groundgame.
Jayson: What do you do to get ready in the hours before a fight ? Take us through your pre-fight rituals.
MS: I just relax and save my mental and physical energy.
Jayson: So do the nerves still get to you before a fight ? have you ever puked before a fight ?
MS: There are always nerves until I start walking out. I control them well and they dont bother me too much. I have never thrown up.
Jayson: You have a list as long as my arm in the Martial Arts you have studied. Are here any styles that peak your interest or a new style you might wanna pick up ? Are we gonna see any Mike Swick drunken boxing highlight clips ?
MS: Nah... haha Everything I do now is MMA. I take what I want from all MA and use what will work for me.
Jayson: I hear your quite the poker player. Got any good poker stories ?
MS: Nothing as exciting as fighting in the octagon, but I do play and love it.
Jayson: You train at The American Kickboxing Academy. Whats the hardest part of your training regiment your coaches put you through ?
MS: Everything! We train hard here at AKA!
Jayson: you train with Josh Koscheck, Phil Baroni, and Trevor Prangley to name a few. How would you feel about having to fight one of your training partners ?
MS: I dont think anyone would want to fight a training partner...
Jayson: Fight Club Question

If you could fight anyone living or dead who would it be ?
MS: Oh man, I dont know. I just want to fight the best and become the best.
Jayson: What was your worst Martial arts injury and how did you overcome it ?
MS: Torn MCL I guess. I just rested it...
Jayson: Your friends with Joe rogan from what I heard. You got any funny Joe
Rogan stories ?
MS: Too many! He is a wildman! haha
Jayson: Do you have any projects going on outside of the ring ?
MS: I am still putting out "Real Quick With Mike Swick" episodes on UFC.com. I also have an online campaign to raise money for UNICEF. You donate and/or see my progress and my Teams progress at:
http://www.unicefusa.org/ert/mikeswick
Jayson: How are you preparing for your upcoming fight ? Got any secret weapons in your arsenal ?
MS: I am doing everything. I will be ready by March!
Jayson: Where do you see yourself in 5 years Mike ?
MS: I hope to be a champion.
Jayson: Last but not least I would like to thank you on behalf of the Martial-forums.com community for your time. Where can your fans go to keep up with your Swickly growing career ?
MS: MikeSwick.com and Myspace.com/mikeswick
Jayson: Awesome Mike it was great talking with you. Best of luck with your fight.Stay healthy and stay strong Swick.
MS: Thank you and I also want to give thanks to all the fans out there who support this sport!