WNY MMA Interviews: Mikey Schultz

Hello and welcome to yet another interview at WNY MMA & Fitness. Today's interview is with Mikey "youtube" Schultz, who will be fighting December 13th at TNT Fight Series. His opponent is Bryan Agoston who is training at Dayball/Pascuzzi Bjj. This will be a fight to keep your eyes on, in the meantime, check this interview out.

WNY MMA Fighter Profiles: Quamaine Austin

Say hello to the super athletic Quamaine Austin, he is another one of the ammy fighters at WNY MMA. Just coming off of a second round KO victory via head kick, he is interested in the next fight. Lace Up Promotion has a phenomenal line up, but its definitely not Q's last stop. He will be transitioning over to mma with in the foreseeable future. With his strong back ground in striking, it will be an interesting venture.

WNY MMA Up & Coming: Ayanna "The Grin Reaper" Tramont

I know what you are thinking, where have these interviews been. Well, you've waited long enough. We have a new ammy coming from the WNY MMA family. Ayanna Tramont will be having her first fight next weekend at Lace Up Promotions: Legends Rise. If you guys want a little more information on the upcoming fight, check out the article that posted before at this link. In the meantime, have a seat and enjoy the interview. Just a reminder, my interviews are unedited.

Matthew Bordonaro: WNY MMA & Fitness Member Feature

Matthew Bordonaro: WNY MMA & Fitness Member Feature

This weeks featured fighter is Matthew Bordonaro!

Matt [apparently] is a comedian. I sat down with him a few weeks ago to interview him and to my dismay, I lost the file of my notes. I contacted him via facebook, asking if he would mind taking some time to re-answer the questions. This is the response I got back:

I did the whole thing for you  Not just answering the questions though, I interviewed myself. I think you should just copy/paste this as the member feature...

This member feature will be a little different from all the others. Unlike other "regular" members, there is only one way to get to know the best of the best here at WNYMMA. Matt is taking the reins to his own interview, so buckle up sucka.

He is the greatest thing that will ever make its way in front of your eyes. The type of man others guys would kill to be and the type of man for whom women would leave their significant others for just one night with. The type of guy who will come out to a fight in a skirt and wig and still pick up the W. Who am I talking about? Matt Bordonaro of course. Lets learn a little about this stallion.

Lets get to the first question. Matt, your hair is phenomenal.

Thanks, Matt. The secret is conditioner and genetics others can only dream of having. It also smells almost as good as it looks. That wasn't a question though.

Sorry, I got distracted by those flowing locks.

It happens to everyone.

Alright, let's get down to business and talk about MMA. Why are you so great at it? And can others hope to reach the same level?

I'll let my homeboy Aristotle answer this one for me. 

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act but a habit"

There's no secret pill, formula, or hair product that gives me these almost super hero-like qualities I seem to have. With effort, consistency, and making sure you always rinse and repeat, anyone can be like me.

Great answer. Now, as much as I would like to continue talking about how great, wonderful, and ridiculously good looking you are, let's get to some of the questions Cara wanted answered so we can all avoid getting yelled at. So let's begin the lightning round. What's your favorite technique?

Whatever will win me the fight.

What is your style of fighting?

Whatever will win me the fight.

How'd you get into the sport?

Found a website for a gym online, went there, and I liked hitting things.

What separates you from other fighters?

I do my own interviews.

Top 3 favorite entrances of yours?

Dressed as Britney Spears, Geno from a Mario game on the SNES(made my day when the announcer knew who I was without me having to tell him), and in a banana suit coming out to Peanut Butter Jelly Time. I did the dance for the last one too.

Who are your biggest influences?

A guy named Jack is a pretty big influence on me. Jack Daniels. Probably nothing from that night in Erie PA should be posted, but just ask around the gym about me and the monkey. Depending on who you talk to, you'll get one of three reactions from them. The first will be "what?" Those are the ones who weren't around for it. The second will be uncontrollable laughter. These were the ones who kept their distance. The third response will trigger the PTSD of said individuals. These were the ones who were caught in something beyond their ability to comprehend. Or maybe they were just disgusted with the whole thing. I prefer to think its the former.

Talk about weight cutting.

It sucks. When I have to lose weight for a fight, not eating a lot is easily the second hardest thing when I wake up.

Moving on. What does it mean to be a fighter?

It means I... fight people?

"Matt is so amazing I have his face tattooed on my chest" - Todd Liberati, trainer

"No" - Cara, when asked if I could do my own interview

"He's so great to look at. I wish there wasn't usually a wall between us when we're all working out just so I could check him out more often." - Every Women's Fitness Member

Scott Skinner: WNY MMA & Fitness Member Feature

Scott Skinner: WNY MMA & Fitness Member Feature

This weeks featured fighter is Scott Skinner!

Scott is genuine. 

He is one of the most genuinly nice people you will meet. I know this because of the way he has treated me from day one. He always asks how I'm doing, or how my day went and he never ceases to make me smile.

He genuinely cares. Sure most people here are nice to me, but he is the one person I can count on to go out of his way to make my day a little brighter.

This is the sole reason why when he asked me to come to his first fight, I couldn't say no. I'm so happy I didn't. I have to tell you guys that the amount of pride I felt for this team when I watched the five or six of you step in the ring back in December was like nothing I've felt for this place before. It gives meaning to the reason I sit here six days a week and do the things that I do. It was nice to finally get to see this all play out. I now understand why many of you are also here six days a week. I don't think I've ever been in one place where so many people are working so hard to chase their dreams.

I decided to feature Scott Skinner this week because it was his first fight and I know how hard he worked for it day in and day out. You deserve it Scotty!

How did you get into martial arts?

I took tae kwon doe for a year or two. I came in through Bubba, he is the one that got me to come here. We were friends and I saw his bag on him one time so I started asking him questions and he was like 'yeah, come train, come train!' I've been to four different gyms and this is by far the best one.

What do you like about your sport, is there anything you don't like?

I love everything. There is nothing not to like. Kickboxing and striking are my favorite. I like hitting people [laughs]. 

Tell me about your first fight?

It was the best feeling I have ever had, ever. I never experienced something so crazy, intense, nervous. I was one of the last from the group to fight, so it was a lot of pressure.

What were some things that were going through your head before, during and after your first fight?

The only thing going through my head before the fight was just how badly I wanted that win. The team was 4-0 for the night so far and it was up to me to keep the undefeated score going, but I was ready and  focused. I couldn't wait for the fight to start when they announced my name and I walked to the ring hearing everyone cheering for me, screaming my name. It completely took away any nervousness I had. The fight was tough. It went all three rounds and was a nonstop action packed war. I remember hearing them announce my name and raising my hand for victory. Having my teammates, coaches, family and friends tell me how proud they were of me was the best feeling I have ever had.

How did you prepare?

I just trained my hardest everyday. I did not miss a day the last month before my fight. I started back in March, and about seven months of prep later I had my debut. I had no experience before this.

How was making weight for you?

It wasn't too bad. I only had to lose ten pounds to get down to my target weight of 145. So not bad for me at all, I would actually say it was easy. I am looking to get down to 135 for my next fight.

Now having fought, what would you change or do differently in your prep for next time?

Definitely run more, or work on my cardio more in general. I felt like I got tired, winded. I went entirely way too hard in the first round, so I would also save up my energy a bit more rather than go out there and start throwing fists like crazy. I had a lot of excitement and confidence going in, maybe a little too much confidence!

I know you won! Congratulations!

Thank you, I won by unanimous decision (29-28), all three judges. It was a good fight. I wasn't sure if I had won at the time. I'm not going to lie, I was nervous, but I did have a feeling I won.

Why do you say that?

I hit him more [laughs]. I knew I went harder than he did.

What are your plans moving forward from this?

I want to get in the cage and fight MMA. That's what I want to do but I will do whatever they want me to do. I will fight anyone. I will fight anywhere. I will do what I’m told. I came with the intent of fighting and I want nothing more than to be a professional fighter, it has been a dream forever since ten years ago. So my plan is to keep coming here and training hard and going after it. 

Who are you biggest influences at the gym?

Corey because he has helped out so much in striking. I have gotten a million times better since I started training with him. First three months here I only did BJJ then I switched to kickboxing. I haven't been on the mat in a few months, but Dub is also a huge influence on me. I look up to him. He's kind of like super man to me, like he can’t be beat. I've never seen him submit. I think there is a really great dynamic with the coaches here. I am looking forward to gaining that energy in my MMA style in the future.

What is your favorite move?

Spinning heel kick.

So I gotta ask, where did the nickname Buffalo's Bad Boy come from?

It came from Amer Abdullah. He said it was because I looked mean. He was making the posters up and had to think of  a name and the one guy I was fighting the Pride of NY DOCs [laughs].

What influence has training had on your life?

It has changed my entire life. I don't want to get into details, but I swear I would be dead or in jail if I didn't have this sport in my life. It has kept me out of trouble.

"Scotty is a real inspiration to his peers, he showed us that it's never too late to follow your dreams. With the hard work and determination that he put in he was able to over come all the obstacles that stood in his way. I knew that the only thing that could stop him was himself and if he was able to overcome that, he could overcome anybody that stood in his way" - Dan "DJ Roundhouse" Dorfman

"Scotty is a guy that was committed 100% from day one. Every day he comes in he gives all of his effort and trains until he can't train anymore. Though he hasn't been training long his work ethic sets him apart as a leader in the gym. What I love most about Scotty is that he doesn't give up and he'll never let his team mates give up either." - Corey "The Story" Webster

"Scott has an energy about him. He's dedicated and brings fire to the team." -Brandon Mindoro, member

"A real success story. Scott is one of those guys that really brings something special to the team; Positive energy, proof that hard work pays off, an indestructible spirit, leadership qualities, and a back story allot of guys coming in can relate too. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for him." - Michael "Dub" Dauenhauer