We were able to catch up with Amir to find out what
he’s been up to since he won the Ultimate Fighter 7…
Hello Amir! First things first, what’s
life been like on the Amir Rollercoaster over these last few months?
Definitely different. I would say things have
changed pretty rapidly for me, but I do the best I can to balance everything out and learn
as I go.
You have some
great skills in the Octagon. How did you get started in MMA and how long have you been
training for?
I
started about 5 years ago, just kind of training and learning everything I could. I would
say my base was Muaythai and no-gi grappling. And donut eating. I'm not sure exactly how
that helps, but I credit it with most of my success.
On the
Ultimate Fighter 7 show, you came across as a pretty humble person. Confident but humble.
Has winning The Ultimate Fighter ‘TUF’ 7
changed who you are as a person and/or fighter or are you still the same?
Yes, I am now kind of an a-hole and no one is good
enough for me. Kidding. I would say if anything the entire experience made me a bit more
humble and exposed me to an entirely new level of competition and responsibility.
What
feelings did you have when you beat CB again during the final match for TUF 7 and actually
stood in the center of the ring to be announced as The Ultimate
Fighter?
I
remember thinking what would that be like a few nights before my fight. I couldn't even
let myself picture it, it seemed so amazing, I couldn't get distracted by the possibility.
I guess you never react like you think you will, and what you saw from me at that moment
was pure disbelief and awe. I froze up for sure.
What does
being an official member of the UFC mean to you?
Definitely
more and more to me everyday. The level of talent I am exposed to and get to compete
against is nothing short of amazing. Someone asked me the other day if there was anything
I didn't like about where I was at the other day, and I answered, "nothing". I
realized then that it was true, I am completely honored to be a part of it, and I hope to
continue to do well. Also one time I had an airline ticket upgraded to first class, just
because one of the airline employees recognized me. That was pretty cool. The plane was
kinda empty anyway though.... whatever, it was still cool.
I have
seen that you are living in Virginia but I have also seen
that you are spending time in Vegas. Can you fill us in a little more on where you are and
what you are up to these days?
Virginia
is still home to me in my mind, but I have moved to Vegas to train. Like I mentioned
before, there is an awesome level of talent I get to work with out here.
So the
word is now that you will be fighting in UFC 91 on November 15 against Nick Catone??? Can
you confirm if that is true?
Yup,
that is what's planned.
How do
you see yourself matching up with Nick?
I think
it's gonna be a tough fight. I don't know a lot about him, but I prefer not to think I
know too much about my opponent's game plan. I like to have a general idea of strengths
and weaknesses, but you can't expect to know how any fight is going to go.
Amir, we
would like to thank you so much for your time and we wish you the best of luck in the
future
