Full Interview

Mike Thomas Brown is the current WEC featherweight champion.  He is also ranked as the number one featherweight in the world by both Sherdog.com and MMA Weekly.  He is consistantly among the top ten fighters in many pound for pound lists as well.  Brown trains out of American Top Team in Coconut Creak, Florida.  MMARecap sat down with Brown to get to know the ATT fighter just a bit more.

What made you jump from wrestling to MMA?
I did it because I am a huge fan and I love the sport.  I did it because I wanted to be able to say I did it.  I had one fight and then another and one lead to another.

What's it like being a headliner for the WEC?
It's amazing.  When I started out I didn't expect this to happen.  When I started there wasn't a world title for my weight class it was only the bigger guys.  They even were discounting the 155er's.  There was no home for me and as I was getting better so was the sport.

Is your next fight scheduled yet?
Jose Aldo will be November 11th.  They haven't secured a location yet, but I have signed the contract.

What are your thoughts on a possible WEC/UFC merger?
If it happens I would want it to happen sooner rather than later.  I think it would be great.  Lets put these guys at 135 and 145 on the PPVs.  Merge the 155er's and you would get to see Cowboy and Varner which would be great.

Do you think that the WEC will be able to have a successful PPV?
All it needs is the name recognition and solid promotion of the fight.  I think my fight with Urijah the second one was big enough to be on a PPV.  All you need is big fights like me, Urijah, Miguel, or Jens could all sell the PPV.

What do you think is the reason that people have a perception that the smaller guys aren't as entertaining or aren't as big of a draw?
If they say that, it is because they haven't watched the light weights.  If you watch the 135 or 145 they are the most exciting fights.  If you are in the sport of college wrestling or boxing, the technique is just there. 

What's it like training at American Top Team?
It's great.  I train with the best guys in the world every day.  You know that and you are confident in your skills when you do that.  You know how good people are.  You know that these guys you are fighting aren't tougher than Thiago Alves or Tibeau Glison or Marcus Aurelo.  We have so many world class little guys, Yves Edwards and Din Thomas.  At 155 we are so stacked it is crazy I can't even name them all.

What are your thoughts on teammate versus teammate?
Well at ATT we have so many guys.  I wouldn't fight any of my ATT Coconut Creek brothers that I train with on a daily basis.  But you know we have a lot of affiliates and I would fight them.  I want to make sure my heart is open and that I help make my teammates better and I want them to do the same to me.