Although at this point in time Kyle Watson is known more for his stay in the ‘TUF house’ than his impressive track-records as both a professional competitor and coach in mixed martial arts, in the coming years the HIT Squad lightweight is looking to prove to everyone that he is more than, as he says, “a reality show guy”.
In less than a week Watson will have his first opportunity of 2011 to make an impression on everyone in the sport, as he is currently slated to take on Canadian stand-up specialist John Makdessi at UFC 129 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario on April 30th.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Kyle Watson about, among other topics, his early years in the sport, representing ‘Team GSP’ on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’, and the prospect of being booed by the better-half of 55,000 fight-fans.
When did you get involved with martial arts?
Well, I was a little bit of a late-starter. I’m from a really small town and they didn’t offer much, as far as martial arts or other athletics. I was still into athletics; I played baseball and soccer, but I was always interested in combat sports—there just wasn’t anything around my hometown. It wasn’t until college that I was able to spread my wings a bit and I looked around at a few different things and tried a few different clubs. I started with this one club that was, pretty much, an eclectic deal; we worked a bit of everything. Most of the Jiu-Jitsu and submissions weren’t very advanced—we’d do a lot of wrist-locks. The teacher really noticed my interest in the ground-game, so he introduced he to his instructor, who I’m still under to this day; Jack McVicker—is a really renowned black-belt and he’s one of the best American competitors out there. Anyway, I started with him when I was in college and just fell in love with it and have stuck with it ever since. After training for about a year-and-a-half, I wanted to test my mettle in something a little more realistic. I searched around and I found an amateur event that was run by Dan Severn—I fought in that and that was the start of my MMA career.
What do you think made you gravitate towards martial arts?
I don’t know. I’ve been asked that before and I honestly don’t have a great answer. I’ve always had a competitive-drive and I grew up in that time where everyone was watching Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Lee, and Steven Seagal and I grew up watching those guys, thinking they were cool, interested in martial arts—I just never had the opportunity to do it. I guess it’s a combination of that and me being a very competitive person.
Were you passionate right from the start?
Yes. As soon as I started training, I was sponge and you, almost, had to kick me off the mat. In the beginning, it was kind of a win-win situation for me and the instructor because he wanted someone to beat up on and try all of his moves on—I gladly accepted that role and stayed after class every day [laughs].
[Laughs] When did it hit you that you would be able to turn your passion into a career?
In the beginning it was just about me testing myself, and after a point—I think when I got my purple-belt in Jiu-Jitsu—I thought, “Hey, I’d like to teach this one day; I’d like to have my own school.” The art has given me so much that I wanted to give that same thing back to people. At the time, I was unrealistic; money-wise, I wasn’t capable of going out and doing that. I continued to train and fight on the side while I worked a full time job and just hoped that one day I would have the opportunity to do it full time. I figured I would just do it part-time, but the opportunity presented itself; I worked hard enough to get my credentials up and I got a call from Matt Hughes and they were saying that they were opening up a new gym and they wanted to know if I was interested in coming down and being the Jiu-Jitsu coach. I say, “Of course!” At first I thought it was a prank-call, but when I realized it was real, I was like, “Hell yeah!” I interviewed, they made me an offer and the rest is history. It happened a lot quicker than I thought and I was able to make the jump and do it full time. Now I teach and fight full time at the HIT Squad.
What was your career before you made the jump?
I had a really good job; it was one that I enjoyed and I’d probably still be doing it now if I wasn’t fighting. I was the operations manager for a company named Kaplan—they do test-preparation; they offer students tutoring or classes if you want to take a standardized test. I didn’t teach any of the classes, but I managed all of the teachers that taught the classes. Half of my day was spent doing administrative stuff and the other half was spent advising college students at the University of Illinois on their educational path. It was a really good job; I was able to work with people—which I love—and I was able to help them reach their goals.
Was that a rewarding career?
Yes; it definitely was. I’m much happier now—that’s a great job and I really enjoyed it—but this is so much better. I’m so passionate about the art and I’m getting paid to come to the gym and do my hobby everyday [laughs]. On top of that, I get to travel around the world. It’s a great gig.
If you had to choose fighting or coaching, what would it be?
You know, that’s a tough question for me. I think for a lot of people it wouldn’t be hard, but that’s a really tough question for me. It would really just depend on what stage of life I’m at; if I was at the same point now, ten years ago—definitely fighting. I’m not done, by any means, but at the same time, I really enjoy the satisfaction that I get out of coaching. It’s a tough one to answer—it depends, probably, on the day you ask me that.
Do you feel that coaching makes you a better fighter?
Absolutely. It’s challenging to do both and I don’t think people understand what it takes; anyone can be a teacher, but I don’t think just anyone can be a good teacher. It takes a lot to be a good coach; you need to really understand your students and what they need and that’s difficult. I find, a lot of times, my own needs take a backseat to what my students need. Sometimes that’s kind of tough.
Is it ever too much?
Yes. I do feel that there have been some fights where my performance has suffered—I can’t blame that on anybody but myself—but I feel like my performance has suffered because I didn’t give myself the attention that I deserve for certain fights. It’s definitely difficult and you have to be a lot more organized as to how to prioritize your time.
What do you feel you have to offer a student?
Oh—a lot of things. If a student comes to me, I look at what they want; do they want to be a competitor? Do they want to lose weight? Do they want to learn how to defend themselves? Do they want a combination of the three? I really help them achieve their goals. The thing is, I take a vested interest in them. When someone comes in, I don’t see dollar-signs. I’m thinking, “How can I pass my knowledge onto them?” I really enjoy working with them and getting to know them as people. I can honestly say that I would call the vast majority of my students ‘friends’ outside of the gym.
Were you at all apprehensive heading into your first match?
Oh, yeah—of course; my nerves were running wild. I’m not an arrogant or a cocky person at all, but I did think that my Jiu-Jitsu would carry me through anything. I was with a great instructor and I was performing really well and I just had that “Royce Gracie attitude”; my Jiu-Jitsu would beat anything. I wasn’t cocky, but I was cocky in the sense that I thought I only needed Jiu-Jitsu and I’d be fine.
What’s going through your mind in the days leading up to a fight now?
Anybody that tells you that they're not nervous, I feel, is lying. I feel nervous from time to time, but I’ve just got to trust in my training and my coaches and know that I’ve prepared as best I can and try to stay focused; try to keep to my game-plan. I try to focus on what I need to focus on and hope that I can bring my A-game and follow my game-plan.
What inspired you to try out for ‘The Ultimate Fighter’?
I’m a fan—just like most fighters—and I watched it from season one. I tried out for season five, but I was a pretty boring person then; I didn’t know how to show who I was and I thought my skills would just carry me through the process and that’s not what they’re looking for on a reality TV show. I wasn’t surprised when I was cut then, but I was just a big fan and I know that being on that show can really catapult your career and so far it has.
Did you think that you would make it through to the final cut?
I definitely thought that I had what it took. Did I think the odds were stacked in my favour? Not necessarily. I’m a big believer in things happening the way they are supposed to happen and I just went with that mentality this time; I didn’t have it before and if I leave without it, I don’t have it now, you know? I had nothing to lose. If they like me they like me and if they don’t then they don’t, but I can still make the UFC on my own abilities. I went there with that attitude and because of that I didn’t have any nerves and I was able to show my personality and it got me on there.
Had you not gotten onto ‘The Ultimate Fighter’, how close do you think you would be to making it into the UFC at this point?
I don’t think it would’ve been that much longer; I would’ve still been close. Going into the UFC, I was coming off, I think, an eight fight win-streak and I have good connections here at the HIT Squad; my coach Marc Fiore is pretty well-connected with the UFC and I think that if I would’ve gotten a few more solid wins and beat someone a bit more notable, I probably would’ve gotten in.
Was there anything that surprised you during your time on the show?
[Laughs] There were lots of things that surprised me. I didn’t think it would be as hard as it was—of course, fighting is always going to be tough—but living in the house was tougher than I thought. I thought, because I’m a mentally-strong person, I would go there and six weeks would be a breeze—but it was a lot tougher, mentally, than I thought it would be. By about week four, everyone was, kind of, cracking; it’s a lot tougher than it looks.
Did you see shades of yourself in some of the younger guys in the house?
Yeah, I did. They painted the picture of me as the old guy and the thing is, I was definitely one of the most experienced guys in the house—I think Nam and I had the most fights—but we weren’t really different, besides age; I still have a hunger and I’m still in shape and have the abilities. I saw some guys that had that same kind of fire and drive, but they weren’t as refined, yet. I agree with that, though.
Was there anyone that left a particularly lasting-impression on you during your time on the show?
I think everybody in their own way did. [Jonathan Brookins] was very refreshing in how humble he was versus how hard he worked and how skilled he was—he was refreshing. I definitely didn’t go there to make friends, but I definitely did leave the show with a few friends; I talk with Andy Main weekly, I talk to Michael Johnson quite a bit, as well. The friendships will probably last, but I think everybody, in their own way, has left a mark.
I’ve spoken with a few guys that competed with you on the show and when I asked them that last question, they answered “Kyle Watson”. Why do you think that is?
[Laughs] Are you being serious?
Serious.
I don’t know. That’s hard to answer because I’m not sure if that’s a positive thing or a negative thing [laughs].
It was all positive.
Okay. I don’t know. It might be that teacher-side of me. I’m very laid back and I’m very passive, but I’m also very friendly; I didn’t go there as the alpha-male tough-guy, “I’m the toughest guy here,” I went there knowing that with my experience and my skill-level; I didn’t have to prove anything to any of those guys. I went there and thought that I’m going to work hard and earn peoples’ respect by what I do on the mat and what I do in the cage. I didn’t go there thinking that I needed to act like a tough-guy in the house and do a bunch of childish stuff, but, at the same time, I tried to be personable and have a good time. If I could make someone laugh, then I’ll make them laugh or if I can help them during training, I’ll do that. John Danahar had mentioned to me that he saw me as the unofficial team-leader. I definitely respected that—although I don’t know if I’m deserving of that role—I was definitely honoured that he would say that. I feel like I may have been a bit of a team-leader.
Aside from the contract, what did you take away from your experience?
You know what? I feel like I grew in a lot of ways; as a fighter—GSP’s coaches and GSP, himself, showed me what it takes to be a champion. I took a lot of notes, mentally and physically in my notebook—different methods and philosophies and techniques. I also learned a lot about myself, as far as boundaries and limitations. In that crazy experiment that they’re basically putting you in, you get pushed in a lot of ways that you don’t see when you’re watching it on TV. I definitely learned a lot about myself and how strong my mind and emotions are when I’m pushed to the limit. Overall, it was a great thing and I came to a lot of realizations about myself.
Would you change anything if you had the opportunity to go back?
With all due respect, and as much as I love him, I’d beat up Brookins [laughs]. No—I’m just kidding; I wouldn’t change anything. I wish I would’ve fought that last fight a little better; I feel like I beat myself mentally before I went in there—training gave me too much self-doubt going into that one. I think I could’ve fought better. He’s the kind of guy that on any given day can beat me, so I give him props for that. He’s a great person and if anyone is going to do it, I’m glad it was him. I think another thing that I would’ve changed—there were times on the show where I wish I was more motivated to be there. What I mean by that is, I was motivated to be there, but, what a lot of people don’t know is I went into that show having not fought in over a year-and-a-half, so I had a ton of ring-rust. I was training that whole time, but fights were falling through and I had knee surgery and all of these different things, so by the time I got to the show, I was extremely burnt out. We were still doing two-a-days for a few hours and you’re fighting four times in six weeks, there were some days when I thought, “I’m on the UFC show. I should be really, really excited.” But I couldn’t get myself up.
Was there ever any time when you contemplated leaving?
Never. Absolutely not. I won’t say too many harsh statements about that because I don’t know what’s going on in their personal lives when guys leave the show, and it is very, very tough; I thought about my wife and my family and my dogs all the time, but I never, ever considered leaving. For some of the guys that have left the show, unless they have someone that’s suffering from a medical-ailment or really important issues, I can’t understand why they would leave. They took a spot that thousands of people would sacrifice anything for and I think it’s a shame that they would give up that opportunity.
How did you feel when you were chosen to represent ‘Team GSP’?
I was honoured, man; I was really honoured. At first, I thought that—looking at the coaching staffs—you couldn’t go wrong, but inside, if I had to pick one I would’ve picked GSP’s team. At first I was a little shocked that I went so late in the draft; not because I’m great or anything or any more deserving than anyone else, I just thought that because of my experience I would go a little earlier. Georges pulled me aside after the picks and told me that he would’ve picked me earlier, but he knew that Koscheck wouldn’t pick me. I had known Kristof Midoux from Bodog and we were acquaintances from that and before the picks were made, I went up in front of everyone and started talking to Kristof. Koscheck saw this and Georges thought that, with us having a mutual friend, Koscheck wouldn’t pick me, so he wanted to go out and get the guys that Koscheck wanted first. He didn’t have to pull me aside and say that, so it made me feel a little better, but, at first, I didn’t think I should’ve gone that late.
Do you think your experience would’ve been any different had you been drafted by Josh?
Yes. Obviously, being in the house with those guys and hearing what they’re saying about training, and with me already being burnt out, I think going to the sessions that they had and getting the kind of poor coaching that they got from Koscheck wouldn’t have been good for me. From what they said about his coaching style, I think I would’ve been even more burnt out and performed even more poorly.
How does it feel to train with a guy like Georges?
It’s an honour, man; I can’t describe it. He’s a legend in progress and is one of the most dominant fighters that has ever been and I’m just so thankful that I got on the season and got to train with him. There’s not too much to say, except that it was an extreme honour and a great learning experience.
To what do you attribute Georges’ success in the sport?
I think, first and foremost; work-ethic. He trains every day. And not just working hard—he works smart—and he’s got a great team behind him of people that are very smart and making the right decisions. When you combine world-class work-ethic with world-class trainers, you get a product like Georges. I definitely think that he has a work-ethic and a mentality that is very rare.
How are you feeling going into your upcoming match against John Makdessi?
I’m feeling great and I feel ready to perform. I’m ready to show people that I’m not just a reality show guy. I want to show everybody that I’m not one-dimensional. Is that to say that I’m going to go in there and try to knock John out? Not necessarily, but people are mistaken if they think I have to come into this fight and desperately try to take him down; I have a wide toolbox and I feel that in this last year I’ve gotten better than several years of training combined. I feel like I’ve got a lot of ways to finish this fight.
What problems does John pose to you?
I think just the unpredictability; he’s got a style where he can mix it up really well and throw really unorthodox things at you—but that’s only if you let him. If you sit back and let him get his game off and play his, sort of, point-sparring tactics, then of course he’s going to look fancy and he’s going to out-point you, but I don’t plan on giving him that luxury.
Do you see John as your biggest challenge to date?
I don’t think so. Like I’ve said to a lot of people; he’s undefeated for a reason and he’s got a great camp, so I would be really irresponsible if I went into this fight looking past him, and thinking that it’s just going to be an easy victory. It’s not at all; I predict an all-out war. I think it’s going to be a back-and-forth battle, but I don’t think he’s the toughest opponent I’ve faced; Spencer Fisher was a better striker and more well-rounded and there are a few other guys that I’ve fought that have been more well-rounded than him.
Do you have a prediction for how it’s going to end?
My hand raised [laughs].
Anything more specific?
No. I think anybody that looks at my record; 15 of my 19 wins are submissions, so you can take a wild-stab at what I feel most comfortable getting—I’m sure you could figure it out—but I feel I’m a versatile fighter and I can win in a lot of ways. I’ll leave it at having my hand raised.
What are you expecting out of the Canadian fight-fans?
I think I’ll get some booing, for sure. I’m not going in there thinking that I’m going to be the favourite or that there are going to be a lot of cheers or anything like that; there will be a lot of people booing me. I think, at the same time, I’ve earned a lot of fans from my time on the show and my attitude and the way I carried myself. I don’t think it will be 55,000 boos.
How can boos do you think it will be [laughs]?
[Laughs] I don’t know. I’m hoping I get a few more people than my family cheering for me.
Do you think that will be overwhelming?
I think maybe for less-experienced guys. I’m not saying it won’t be overwhelming for me—it’s not like I have a ton of fights or anything, but I’ve fought in front of a few thousand people and even though that’s a fraction of what’s going to be there, I don’t feel like that stuff really fazes me that much. I think once I walk up to the cage and get inside of it, I’m going to be locked onto John and hopefully hearing my corner—the rest of it will just be a loud buzz.
What’s the biggest crowd you’ve fought in front of before?
Probably, like, 5,000; not too many. I fought for Bodog and even though there wasn’t too many people in attendance, it was shown on TV—lots of people ended up seeing it and I knew that ahead of time—but I didn’t let that get to me. I don’t know, but I honestly don’t think it will affect me too much.
With a win, where do you see yourself in the division?
[Laughs] Still really far down the totem pole. I feel like, compared to some of the other guys in the division, I really haven’t done anything. I feel like I deserve to be there but I’ve got a ton to prove. I feel like I’m way down on the totem pole; I don’t have any visions of fighting for the belt. Would I love to down the road? Of course, but I’ve got a lot to prove. We’ll just see how far I can climb up the ladder.
Realistically, how far do you think you can go in this sport?
I think it comes down to my body more than anything. These last few years I’ve been a little more injury-prone, so it’s just how long my body can last more than anything. I think mentally and skill-wise—I’m strong and I deserve to be there—but your body can only hold out so long and you only get one body, so I’m just going to ride it out and see how far I can climb before I feel like it’s too much.
What do you feel the future holds for Kyle Watson?
I feel like the future holds a good career in the UFC, I feel it holds me getting more fans by putting on good fights and coming in there and fighting tough opponents and showing that I deserve to be there. Hopefully, one day, if I can beat enough of the guys they feel are tough contenders, then maybe one day I’ll be considered a top-contender, as well. I’m going to do my best and, at the same time, build up my credentials as one of the better Jiu-Jitsu—and even MMA—coaches out there. Down the road, once my career is done I want to create some champions.
Is there anything that you’d like to say to your fans while you have this opportunity?
I always want to thank the fans; I couldn’t do this without them and the fans allow me to live my dream and pursue my passion. If there weren’t fans in the stands—either cheering or booing—I wouldn’t be able to do what I do, so a huge thanks to them. Even for the Canadian fans—whether you’re booing or cheering for me—I appreciate you being there.
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