Full Interview

Phillipe Nover was most recently scheduled to fight Sam Stout at "Ultimate Fight Night: Diaz vs. Guillard". But Nover had what appeared to be a seizure just hours before his fight and the doctors wouldn't clear him to fight that night. Now with even more pressure to stay employed by the company he loves, Nover is working harder than ever to prove that he isn't "Fainting Phillipe" anymore. MMA Recap's own Brent Todd sat down with Nover to discuss his career as a fighter, what is really going on with his head, and his life outside the octagon.

What got you into fighting?
I starting training in Martial Arts since the age of about 9 or 10. It was under Ralph Mitchell. He taught me traditional arts along with kick boxing and boxing. I started competing in tournaments and I enjoyed winning. About 8 years ago I starting training BJJ under Rodrigo Gracie. Then after having my first MMA match, I was hook! I love the feeling of winning a fight after you put so much into it.

Where do you train out of? Any thought of switching to a larger camp such as an ATT, AKA, Xtreme Couture?
I train out of team Insight. I have trained at Couture's and it was great. I don't have plans on totally switching teams however I do travel and train a bit. Couture's always has an open door for me. They're great guys.

What was the official diagnosis prior to your fight with Sam Stout?
The doctor at St. Anthony's Hospital said it was "Syncope". Which basically means I fainted.

Have you had any tests since then and what has come back?
I had a glucose tolerance test and I'm definitely not diabetic. I've had blood work done and it all came back normal. I had a Cat Scan of my head and that was normal as well. I just saw my neurologist Dr. Andrew Dawson who specializes in seizures and he said he doubt's what I had was a seizure. I'm scheduling an MRI and an EEG test this week.

On TUF you fainted, any link between that and what happened recently?
It felt like the same situation. It was near the time I was cutting weight and It felt the same when it happened.

Do you think your next fight will still be against Sam Stout? He is rumored to be fighting Joe Lauzon now which will probably force you to get a different opponent. Who would you like to fight?
If I can't get Sam to fight me on my next bout I would like the rematch with Kyle Bradley.

Your official website says you fell victim to poor officiating against Kyle Bradley, what do you think you should have done differently to prevent that?
During any fight you can't loose an exchange. I have to have air tight defense! Plain and simple.

You've suffered two losses in a row, is there extra pressure to win to stay employed by the UFC?
The two loses plus the recent event of me passing out before fighting puts enormous pressure on me. I feel bad for the next guy I'm fighting. I'm really going to set an example that I'm not "Fainting Phillipe" anymore. I'm going to have to show I can really kick some ass!