I had a chance to ask Kenny a few questions in between his preparation for his main event fight on the Spike TUF Finale 6/24. Here's how it went...
SK: How are you preparing for Stout? Any differently than you did for Kit Cope?
KF: I guess doing more tactical strategy on the ground and stand up based on weaknesses we have seen in his stand up and ground game. Sam is not as strong as a striker as Cope but he is certainly better overall and has more experience. I will be prepared for this fight for sure.
SK: Tell us about training in Thailand. Did any 11 year old Thai kids kick your ass?
KF: Man, it was unbelievable. Thailand was just awesome from a cultural experience and a learning experience. I trained with some of the best Thai Boxers in the world. It does not get any better than that. They start fighting early there and the kids do this to literally survive. Seeing these little kids go out there and fight for their lives puts things into perspective and is really inspirational. It was like when Rocky goes to Apollo's old gym in the hood in Rocky 3, lol.
SK: You injured your back before the last scheduled fight with Sam Stout. How does it feel now?
KF: My back is much better and knock on wood, I will be all ready to go on the 24th without any problems of nay kind. I am thinking about hiring bodyguards and walking around in a bubble for this last week.
SK: What are your thoughts on this season of the Ultimate Fighter? Do these guys have it easy now that there are no challenges?
KF: I think this Season has had the right amount of exciting fights and good characters that you can either hate or like. It has been enjoyable to watch.
We were the guinea pigs doing Season 1 and we had to go through tougher times than the others I believe. Now they have all these sponsors and bonuses and have the whole recipe down so the show goes off smoother.
SK: Who would you rather have as a coach, Ken or Tito? And why? (Don't be a wuss and pull a no-comment! lol)
KF: Based on what I have seen and heard. The easy and logical choice is Tito Ortiz. I would have been pissed if I ended up on Ken's team.
SK: Aside from the finalists, which fighters would you like to see in the octagon from this season?
KF: Nice try, I am not falling for the old tell me who is in the finals trick, lol!
SK: Who is the man to beat in the 155 lb weight class right now?
KF: For me, right now it is Sam Stout. This is a competitive division and I have to be ready for everyone.
SK: What's the inside scoop on a title fight for the little guys?
KF: I have heard rumors that it may happen sooner that we all expected but for sure the UFC wants to bring back this title when the top two 155 lbers have established themselves.
SK: Anyone you would like a rematch with? Does the name rhyme with Siego Danchez?
KF: Of course the competitor in me wants a rematch. It makes me feel embarrassed to see how I fought in the finale. I didn't even show up. Just an awful experience that shows nothing of what I had or have as a fighter. Mentally, I did a lot of growing up after that fight. It was all for the better and maybe one day I can get a chance to avenge that loss but I see it right now that I have bigger and better things to do. I would certainly move up in weight classes to welterweight to do it if the opportunity presented itself but for now, my goal is the 155 lb world championship UFC belt.
SK: How are you a different fighter today since your fight with Diego a year ago?
KF: Oh jeez, I think the gains I made technically has been leaps and bounds. I am completely different fighter. But the mental difference is 100 times improved. Just the few UFC fights I had after that has given me a tremendous amount of experience. I would kill Kenny from TUF 1 mainly because of the mental changes I have made but not only that, I feel like technically, I am soooooooo much better and dangerous.
SK: What do you do to make sure you have the proper mindset for training and before stepping into the octagon?
KF: Your training is what really makes you mentally prepared but I also do a lot of relaxation and visualization to keep me ready for what is to come. I no longer put pressure on myself. The pressure we feel only comes from our own mind. I concentrate on my performance and not the win. I know if I concentrate on my performance, I can beat anyone in the world.
SK: Why no victory dance or move after your wins in the cage? Ya know like the Running Man or the Caterpillar.
KF: I kind of did a muay thai style celebration with the bow and arrow thing against Kit Cope. Maybe I will stick to that. It signifies the hunter killing the hunted.
SK: Who is your favorite poster on the NHB GEAR/Jiu Jitsu Gear Forum?
KF: Ahh man, tough one. That Sam Kim guy is a jerk but sometimes he has some good posts. Perhaps Nathan Wager for his consistently controversial and numerous posts but maybe not because he kicked me off Team Groundhog. Screw the NHB GEAR Forum, it is way over rated!! LOL.
SK: Thanks very much for your time. Anyone you would like to thank or anything else you would like to mention?
KF: I have to thank Sprawl Fightshorts, of course NHB GEAR for their support and the rest of my sponsors for their help over at KennyFlorian.com. Definitely check out my website for some good info, stories and other stuff. I have to thank Sityodtong Muay Thai/MMA as well as Boston BJJ for all of their help over the years. My family, friends and business manager Ron Weinberg for all of their help and support. At the end of the day, the fightgame is truly a team effort.
[For more info on KenFlo visit his official website at www.KENNYFLORIAN.com]
