Interview with WEC Champion Brian Bowles

Full Interview

Recapping With Brian Bowles - Now Its Here
by Andrew Gladstone - 10-10-2009

Brian Bowles is the current WEC bantamweight champion and the only undefeated champion in the history of the WEC. In just his eighth professional fight, this well rounded athlete shocked the MMA world by being the first man to stop Miguel Torres. MMA Recap's Andrew Gladstone sat down with Brian Bowles to uncover more from this overlooked and newly crowned WEC champion.

How did you first get into mixed martial arts?
"I just joined the hard-core gym as a hobby. I wrestled in high school, I was looking for something to do after that and I just started doing it for fun."

What's it like being WEC bantamweight champion?
"Pretty cool you know, I haven't got to really keep defending it or nothing yet and I'm really looking forward to that. I'm just trying to nurse this hand and get it better, but its a cool experience. Its what I've always wanted to do since I got into it, be the world champion and now its here."

Whats the status of your hand?
"Its the left hand I broke. I still am rehabbing it right now. I can't really punch anything or grapple yet, but its getting better. I'm just trying to get some strength back in it now and make sure that the bone shows up good."

You've been fighting the upper echelon of fighters for the last few years at bantamweight and have impressively remained undefeated. Being 8 and 0 in mma, who would you say is the toughest opponent you've ever faced. And what has been the key to your success?
"I'd say the toughest opponent I've faced is Miguel. He's proved himself time and time again as a good fighter and he's beaten alot of good people I've seen."

"I think the key to my success is just keeping a level head, not getting to nervous and to hyped up when it comes time to fight, just training hard, and going in there and taking care of business."

In your last fight you took out the highly regarded Miguel Torres. Whats your take on a rematch with Torres?
"I don't think it'll happen right away. He'll probably fight a fight and win and I'll fight my next fight and win. He'll probably get a rematch, whatever I don't care who I fight, I just want to get out there and defend it. If Torres is next for me, its cool with me."

Is there any truth to the rumors that your next opponent may be Dominic Cruz?
"Thats what I've heard from people. I haven't signed the contract yet, so I can't say yeah thats who it is."

What's your take on a WEC/UFC merger if it happens?
"I would really like for it to happen, because it would mean alot more money for me. Some people don't realize that I'm the same champion as they are (UFC Champions) and they think I'm a lesser champion. Some people haven't really caught on in that aspect, but I would really like for it to happen."

Any thoughts on going up a weight class?
"Nah I'm not big enough for that. If there was a possibility of moving anywhere, I would possibly move down. I don't think I'll ever move up."