Fast Eddie sat down with Elite XC middleweight contender Scott Smith to discus a variety of topics including his upcoming fight against Robbie Lawler on CBS, his relationship with Ganyao Fairtex, his business partners in Ultimate Training Center, and why he said that James Irvin and Tom Atencio have belly button piercings! Special thanks goes to Tim McKenzie for helping to set up the interview.

Fast Eddie – How is your preparation going for this fight?

Scott Smith – Training camp is good. My training camp has been very similar for the last fight. I am training with the same partners, and just improving on certain aspects of my game.

FE – Any new weapons you plan to bring into this fight against Lawler?

SS – The biggest thing I need to do is move around and not get hit so much. I have a bad habit of taking shots and having to get hit before I get going. That is not the best strategy against a guy like Lawler.

FE – Who are you trainers for each discipline? BJJ? Wrestling? Striking?

SS – Mark Munoz is my wrestling coach. He just moved to Southern California. So I haven’t been able to work out with him as much as previous fights. Cassio Werneck is my Jiu-Jitsu coach. I have been training with him for 8 years off and on. Werneck was the co-owner of the first gym I started training at years ago in Sacramento. Cassio is also in charge of the Jiu-Jitsu program at my gym (Ultimate Fitness Center). Eric Regan is my new foot work trainer. Tim McKenzie introduced me to him and I am excited about the new skills he will teach me. Ganyao of course is my Muay Thai coach.

FE – We saw what Ganyao meant to James from the UFN preview show. What type of relationship do you share with him?

SS – He is definitely like a second father to me as well. The moment I realized he was the man was after Randy Couture said if you get the chance to work with Ganyao it would be golden. I then drove to SF to work with them and after that I realized that I have to be with him from this point. We have very similar fighting styles of coming out aggressively and straight forward. Ganyao really wanted me to throw the right kick and use it to set up my hands in my last fight.  I feel that if I had done that more, I would have had greater success. He is a very educated fighter and knows the game.

FE – What is your walking around weight off season and how much do you normally cut?

SS – I weigh 195 right now. When I am not in camp for a fight and just training lightly I am around 205. So I normally do not cut more than 10 pounds prior to a fight.

FE – What are your thoughts on partnering with Tim McKenzie and James Irvin considering you fought both?

SS – To be honest, I really forget that we even fought. Tim I fought when I really started making a commitment to fighting. I fought James at heavyweight when this was a hobby. I had no business being in the cage with this guy and at that size. The best thing about it is this:  worse case scenario, if I don’t win on Saturday I know I can always go to the WEC and get an easy win against Tim the Tulip!

 

FE – Do you find it to be an advantage fighting so close to home or a distraction?

SS – I live about 25 miles from the Stockton Arena. So there are both. The advantage is having the crowd on your side. There are four greyhound buses from the Wrangler Bar in Elk Grove coming down to the fights.  The downside is not leaving home and getting into fight mode.  When I have a fight out of town, once I check into the hotel I know it is time to fight. I have an excuse to turn off my cell phone and focus on the fight. Today is a perfect example.  I have my kids today and it almost seems like I am not fighting this week being so close to home. You cant beat sleeping in your own bed though.

FE – Who will be in your corner for the fight Saturday?

SS – Obviously, I will have James and Tim with me. Tom Atencio will also be in my corner.

FE – Really? What is your relationship with Tom?

SS – Tom is actually a very good friend of mine. I met him years ago at the WEC 17 show when I fought Tim.  It was a tournament and I was scheduled to fight Justin Levens in the finals. Justin was the first fighter Tom ever sponsored and was there for him. Levens got hurt in his first fight, and I fought and beat Tait Fletcher instead. Atencio was actually sitting behind my sisters, and he was impressed by my fights. He said he would send me some clothes but couldn’t sponsor me as I beat his friend. We have been friends ever since. He is actually staying at my place for this fight.

FE – What funny stories do you have about Tom that you could share with our readers?

SS You know, Tom was supposed to be in my corner with James Irvin for the Kyle Noke fight. This was on the Street Certified Showtime card this year. Well, I bought Tom a ticket to fly out from Vegas where he was at the time. Unfortunately, he was having a little too much at the bars and missed his flight altogether. That’s why in my post fight interview I thanked my two friends (James and Tom) who could not be here because they were at home nursing and infected belly button piercing!

FE – That is a great story bro. I will let you get back to taking care of your son Mikey. I really appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to talk. I will see you Saturday night and wish you good luck in the fight.

SS – Thanks Eddie. See you Saturday.

You can watch Scott Smith in the Main Event this Saturday night, July 26, 2008 as he takes on Robbie Lawler for the Elite XC Middleweight Title on CBS.

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