The Triangle Choke: Brett Ewing Interview

ICF Amateur Featherweight Champion Brett Ewing discusses his MMA background and upcoming fight on June 5, 2010

SD- Did you compete in athletics in high school?

BE- Yes I’ve been a wrestler for 13 years now in high school I was a 3x state in school wrestling, I also earned all American honors placer as a freestyle wrestler as a cadet and junior, and I was crowned national champion for Greco roman wrestling. I trained BJJ since my freshman year I was a North American Grappling champion and a 3 time placer. I also ran cross country in my off season from wrestling and BJJ.

Brett Ewing's walkout t-shirt for ICF 20 on June 5th will be the Intimidation Cross from Intimidation Clothing.

SD- How long have you been training and what got you started?

BE- Well I would say I began training for it 13 years ago when I first stepped on a mat but actual mma I had not begun until about a year and a half ago and I’ve been competing for a year this July.

SD- Where are you currently training?

BE- I’ve been training at a local gym me and a group of ammy/pro’s put together named Krullty MMA.

SD- You are 6-0 as an ammy - speak about your success and what training consists of.

BE- My success has really came from a lifelong dedication to the sport I’ve been the one who ran and lifted everyday outside of having 3 hours of wrestling or bjj training. I’ve always been the one to put in the extra time to become the best since I was never really naturally talented in sports but I’ve stuck with a lifelong motto “HARD WORK WINS” and it’s worked out so far. My daily regiment starts with doing sprints at 9:00 am before I go to work/school then a combination of strength training and core development before I go to mma practice. While I’m at practice I work mostly stand up I generally focus on my boxing and Muay Tai striking. I generally teach a class on wrestling after my own practice and work with the next generation of wrestlers and fighters coming up. After 3 hours or so in the gym I’ll finish the day with a 3 mile run for my cardio.

> Brett Ewing is sponsored by Intimidation MMA Clothing & will be fighting at ICF 20: The Return in Florence, Kentucky.

SD- You face John Hays at ICF 20: The Return.  What are your thoughts on the match-up?

BE- I’ve watched John Fight before so coming into the fight I know he’s got a good accurate striking game but not a lot of power. On the ground he seems to have a good flow with transitions and submissions but never saw him put any of his opponents in any real danger of ending the fight. I think John is good at scoring points and winning a decision but not finishing the fight. I’ve been training to end fights that’s what fans like to see and that’s how I like to win. I train to outlast anyone mentally and physically and in everyone of my fights the first thing I do is break them mentally. I throw some heavy shots and put the fear in them or I’ll pick them up with a takedown and slam them into some of my ground and pound. Generally after the first round you can see he doesn’t want to be in that cage anymore he’s probably not tired but mentally he doesn’t want to fight any more. He’s thinking I just got beat on and I don’t want to again. He’s either going to try some desperation wild punches or play defense which I’m waiting for. In training I crank up the aggression and speed each round so it’s like a non-stop fight. It is up hill for my opponent. I’ve learned it’s very difficult to get ready for a fighter who only gets stronger and less tired after each round. So when it comes down to Saturday night, John and I in the cage- him looking across at me. He’s in my house coming for my belt I don’t see him leaving with it.

SD- What are your thoughts on turning pro

BE- I have plans to turn pro in the future. I’m not sure when and where. Personally I’ve been dreaming of being a professional since I was a kid. I think ever since The Ultimate Fighter show came out that’s been every little boys dream but I think I’m one of the few that have spent a majority of my life preparing myself for it.

By Scott Dryden
ProFighting-fans.com Editor-in-Chief