Six Ways to Prepare a Fighter For a Post Fight Interview

I love watching Mixed Martial Arts events. Whether I'm there in person or watching bouts on television, it's an exciting experience. Even before a fight begins, there's an anxious anticipation. The nervous excitement grows when the fighters begin their walk to the cage. With the fighter's walk-in music blaring and fans joyously cheering them on, it makes for one festive celebration.

Once the formalities of fighter introductions and glaring stare downs are over with, it's time for a fight. And even once the fight is over, waiting to hear the almost always humble comments from the winner is fun.

Perhaps it's just me, but I always notice the little things that go on around the show. I notice facial expressions, fans in the front row and some of the fighters' peculiar habits and idiosyncrasies. But I cannot be the only one who has taken notice of some post-fight interview details that I think are pretty obvious.

For example, and this happens fairly often, why is it that the cornermen scramble to get a sponsor's t-shirt on the fighter? Sure, I understand they're celebrating, but shouldn't someone be in charge of the sponsor's t- shirt and/or cap so that the fighter doesn't have to fumble around putting it on?

And really, how many times have you seen an interview where a fighter forgets to take out his mouthpiece? I've actually seen post fight interviews where fighters talk halfway through their interview before they realize they still have their mouthpiece in. I don't blame the fighters because I'm sure they were really focused on their fights and very excited to win, but someone in his corner should be quick to take the mouthpiece from him. Notice the picture above, how Joe Rogan motions to Mike Swick to take out his mouthpiece.

In another example, during the recent UFC 85 event, I couldn't believe Chuck Liddell, former UFC light heavyweight champ, had to rush out to get winner, Matt Wiman, his sponsor t-shirt. For crying out loud, this is the former light heavyweight champ.

This looks awkward, clumsy, and unprofessional.

The same thing happened in the main event, after Thiago Alves defeated Matt Hughes. The cornermen scrambled at the last minute and awkwardly put on the sponsor's T-shirt on Thiago. And mind you, there was plenty of time beforehand.
Hardcore MMA fans continue to harp on the poor production of the debut of EliteXC's Primetime event...even to this day. And yes, I do agree, that event was flawed and needs improvement, but the UFC has been around 15 years. You'd think they'd smooth out these little details.

So I hope this rather seemingly trivial matter reaches all mixed martial arts cornermen.

Here are the six steps, I believe, will properly prep a fighter for his post fight interview. After all, this is a fighter's moment of glory and he has to look his best.

1. Congratulate your fighter.

2. Take out fighter's mouthpiece.

3. Provide water.

4. Wipe blood/sweat from fighter's face and body.

5. Take care of cuts and stabilize any other injuries.

6. Place sponsor's t-shirt/cap on fighter and briefly remind him of sponsors to thank.

This will make for a smooth professional post fight interview.

See also: The Importance of Post Fight Interviews