EXCLUSIVE MMABay interview with UFC lightweight star, Gabe Ruediger
MMABay continues with the string of EXCLUSIVE interviews this month as we speak with UFC lightweight star, Gabe Ruediger ahead of his UFC 126 bout with Paul Taylor on February 5th in Las Vegas, Nevada. We asked him about his preparations for the fight, potential tactics he might use on the night, as well as a possible fight with another UK fighter, Paul Kelly.
Hi Gabe,
Thank you for taking the time to sit down with MMABay and answer a few of our questions.
Ruediger – It’s my pleasure
MMABay – First up, we’re just under a month away from your upcoming fight with Paul Taylor; how is your training coming along, and how are you feeling in the run up to the bout?
Ruediger – I’m excited. Paul is a very dangerous and game opponent. I need to ensure I’m ready in any area. Training has been great and its going to be an exciting match.
MMABay – With less than four weeks remaining until fight night, can you take us through what a typical day of training looks like for you at the moment?
Ruediger – I wake up around noon, play 2 to 3 hrs of Xbox, smoke 2 cigars and then have a few martinis. After that it’s nap time. I’ll wake up and do 10 push ups and then eat some Cornish Pastys to cool down. =)
MMABay – We last saw you in action back at UFC 118 in August. While it clearly wasn’t the UFC return you’d hoped for, was there anything you could take away from that bout and use?
Ruediger – I took that bout with two weeks or preparation. I made some huge mistakes in that bout. I put that behind me and went right back to work.
MMABay – You were originally supposed to return to action in November against Paul Kelly, before a groin injury put a halt to those plans. Can you remind us how the injury happened, and how your recovery has been?
Ruediger – Yes, I was preparing for Kelly and tore my groin. The week that it happened I couldn’t even walk. It was very frustrating, but it’s healed up now and I feel great.
MMABay – You’re now set to return to the Octagon against Kelly’s teammate Paul Taylor on February 5th. Despite being teammates, Taylor and Kelly both have very different styles. As a grappler, do you feel that Taylor is a better match-up for you, and is the Kelly fight something you’re still interested in perusing down the line?
Ruediger – Well, Taylor is not as good of a grappler, but he is a MUCH better striker. In fact, for this camp, I’ve been doing an obscene amount of kickboxing in anticipation of this bout. For Kelly I was grappling a lot more, so it was a complete change of pace, but I’m happy about it. As far as Kelly goes, he seems to have a bit of a mouth problem. If (and that a big IF) he actually gets out of his next bout, I would be more than happy to shut his mouth for him.
MMABay – What do you know about Paul Taylor as a fighter? Have you done any special preparation for this bout, or has it been business as usual in the gym?
Ruediger – I think I answered that in the other question. I brought in a lot of great kickboxers and especially lighter/faster guys. If I can hang with the light weight pro’s, I think I’ll be more than ready for Taylor. Let’s go kick for kick!
MMABay – You’re looking for your first UFC win and your opponent is coming off a pair of losses; is it fair to say that this is a must-win fight for both of you? Is that something you view as an added pressure or an incentive?
Ruediger – There is ALWAYS pressure in a fight. Of course I want the win and I expect that Taylor is going to be in his best form possible. I try not to add any more pressure than is already there. I know that I’ve already put in a LOT of work and will be well prepared.
MMABay – MMA fans have heaped praise on the recent merger of the UFC and WEC. From a fighter’s point of view, particularly someone who is fighting in the overlapping lightweight division, how do you feel about the merger?
Ruediger – I’m not sure about it yet, to be honest. It means there will be a lot of fighter cuts, so in that sense its bad, but the lighter guys are more than deserving of the UFC stage. Only time will tell.
MMABay – Finally, for any new fans that will be tuning in for the first time on February 5th, what can we expect from you at UFC 126?
Ruediger – Its going to be a great card and this fight is going to be great. If you look at my record, I only have two decisions. I’m going in there to finish Paul. On the other end, Paul always has exciting fights. It’s going to be a good one.
MMABay – Have you got any sponsors you’d like to mention or people you’d like to thank before we finish?
Ruediger – I would just like to thank my team and the people that have been helping me. Also, to the fans that have supported me, thank you very much.
MMABay – Thanks for taking the time to speak to MMABay.
Ruediger – Thank you. If anyone is interested in knowing more about me I have Twitter/GabeRuediger, my fan page http://www.facebook.com/GabeRuediger and my own page @ WWW.GABEGODZILLA.COM
(An exclusive interview for MMABay.co.uk)
By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)
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