Mike Ciesnolevicz

Interview by Daniel Regan

Mike Ciesnolevicz is one of the hottest new stars in the International Fight League. Not wasting much time, he jumped right in to the big time and managed to mold quite a niche for himself with one of the league's strongest teams - The Silverbacks! While his last match-up resulted in a defeat, he's more than ready to tear in to the league and make a strong showing that could precede a title shot.



Daniel: First, I'd like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy training schedule to do this interview for MMARising.com. We know how busy life can be, especially for a rising star such as yourself! I'd like to ask you a few questions about your rise to the big leagues. What did you think of the IFL Grand Prix?

Mike: It was great! I had a blast watching it and I think it was necessary to see who the top guys in the league are as individuals. As a whole, the Silverbacks are still the top team in the IFL. We won two straight titles before finishing second last year. I just wish I could have fought in it, as I was ranked third in the league at my weight but my nose surgery and suspension prevented my participation.



Daniel: What do you think of the IFL's growth?

Mike: It has come a long way in the short time it has been around. I think the IFL is great for the sport of MMA and has helped to showcase lots of world class fighters to the public. I really hope the IFL succeeds and is around for a long, long time.



Daniel: You've had an impressive showing so far in your IFL career, starting off a bit rocky but racking up five victories in a row. Your recent loss aside, what would you attribute your success to?

Mike: Great training partners here at MFS are a key, obviously. In addition to that, I seek out all of the knowledge I can to give myself the best chance to win. I spend a lot of time studying the sport and learning on my own, to see what I can add to my game and what works for me. I consider myself a real student of the game and take pride in being technically sound.



Daniel: How have you been doing since your KO loss to Andre Gusmao? Have you made adjustments to your game? How did you feel going in to that rematch?

Mike: I think I had the right strategy to win, and I would fight him the same way again. I didn't even get to show my game plan. I just got caught with a head kick early that flashed me, and from there I was in panic mode instead of relaxing and clearing my head. In my opinion, it was an experience thing where I lost my composure and stood up into a knee because I wasn't thinking clearly.



Daniel: What are your goals for 2008? When are you getting in the ring again?

Mike: The only goal I have for this year is to go undefeated. I want to win the last three fights on my contract. If winning the belt happens, that would be great, but, in general, the only goal I ever have is to win my fights and do my job.

I anticipate fighting on April 4th in New Jersey, but no opponent has been named as of yet. The rumor is, I might be fighting someone from Marco Ruas's team.



Daniel: What would you say is your biggest strength in the ring? The area you need improvement?

Mike: Improvement would be experience. I think that that is the biggest thing I was lacking before stepping into the IFL. I have learned a lot in the last few seasons. I wish I would have had 20 more fights in small shows before the IFL, but it wasn't meant to be.

My biggest strength is my ability to put my ego aside and learn and develop the tools needed to be successful at this level. I am a true student of the game and consider myself a strategist. I take pride in executing game plans and strategy in fights.



Daniel: Do you intend to spend your future staying in the IFL, or are there other paths to walk?

Mike: At some point, there has to be other paths to walk, I'm sure, but I am with the IFL for the 2008 season and I look forward to a great year. From there, who knows what will happen. I just want to take care of myself financially and continue competing in the sport that I love.



Daniel: What do you think of the MMARising.com project?

Mike: It's a great opportunity for fighters and it's nice to see someone trying to help up-and-coming guys to get their name out there. MMARising is one of my new favorite MMA sites to visit!