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MMARising.com Interview With Brad Morris

Brad Morris

Interview by Daniel Regan

Preparing for his UFC debut at UFC 83, MMARising.com talks with up-and-coming Australian heavyweight Brad Morris in an exclusive interview as he gets ready for his bout with highly-touted wrestler Cain Velasquez on April 19th.

UFC 83 will mark the debut of up-and-coming heavyweight Brad Morris (8-2-0). Having spent the last 6 years training in mixed martial arts, the powerful Australian will be making his debut against highly-regarded Cain Velasquez.

Cain is a dangerous wrestler who has shown a tenacity for pounding his opponents out. While Cain is the overall favorite, Brad likes it that way.


MMARising.com: Hello Brad, and thank you for the interview. I know that you're busy with preparations for the event. UFC 83 is just around the corner and you get to make your debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. What does this mean to you?

Brad Morris: It means a great deal. It means all the hard work and sacrifice has been worth it, and it's a great feeling knowing that my next fight is in the UFC.



MMARising.com: A lot of people are listing you as the underdog coming in to this fight. While you have the experience advantage, Cain Velasquez has a lot of hype coming behind him. How does this affect you?

Brad: I like being the underdog! Although Cain doesn't have a lot of experience in mixed martial arts, he is coming off of two wins and comes from a well-respected MMA team. They are saying great things about him. That, combined with his high-level wrestling achievements, means it makes sense that people are viewing him as the favourite. For me, being the underdog is great. Few people expect me to win, so I can go into the fight with nothing to lose and everything to gain.



MMARising.com: Jon Fitch has actually stated that Cain Velasquez is one of the biggest and toughest heavyweights around. How do you feel about that?

Brad: That's fine. I started fighting partly for the challenge. I have no doubt that Cain is a good fighter, but I have been fortunate enough to train with tough guys, like Mark Hunt. I am not intimidated by the thought of facing a big, strong and skilled fighter. I'm excited by it.



MMARising.com: Training with Mark Hunt would definitely make me feel confident when it comes to the striking game. Cain Velasquez is a former All-American wrestler who carries some very heavy hands and powerful strikes. What's your game plan coming in to this fight? How has your training changed?

Brad: My training changed a little to try to counter some of Cain's wrestling. I realise that there is a good chance that Cain will take me down at some point, but I am comfortable fighting off of my back. Regardless of where the fight ends up, I'll adjust to it.



MMARising.com: Now, you have a tremendous support group with the Strength and Power guys over at Sherdog. What does it mean to have that kind of everyday push?

Brad: The S & P guys at the Sherdog forums are awesome! The support is great. I have posted there for some time now, and it's good to have the support of that sub-forum.



MMARising.com: How has your training looked coming in to the fight? Can you give some examples of your daily schedule? How does it look so close to the fight?

Brad: Training has been good, and both my mental and physical preparation is good. I have been discussing my physical training with Joe DeFranco and my psychological preparation plan was done with the help of Sports Psychologist Randy Borum. Training normally consists of two sessions per day; one conditioning session, the other a skills session.



MMARising.com: What do you think will make the difference in this fight?

Brad: Good question. I think there are always several factors that increase your chances of winning a fight. Preparation - both mental and physical - a good game plan, experience and heart. I think I have addressed all of those areas.



MMARising.com: This is your big chance at a shot in the UFC, and they're giving you a tough opponent immediately. What do you see in the future if you take advantage of this opportunity?

Brad: I think it's good that my first fight in the UFC is against a tough and skilled opponent. It's important that I debut with a win. I want to stay in the UFC and face the best fighters. A first-up win would be the best way to affirm my spot in the UFC.



MMARising.com: Do you have any advice for younger fighters trying to make it to the big stage?

Brad: Believe in yourself! Seek out the best guys to train with and be willing to eat some humble pie in training. Learn from the pro fighters and trainers.



MMARising.com: Anyone you would like to thank before the fight?

Brad: Yes, I would like to thank SSFgear, Musashi and Dunlop Sports for their support.



MMARising.com: Thank you for donating your time. I look forward to seeing you in the ring. Good luck to you and the Aussie Death Carriage.

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