Interview with The Complete Cutman, David Maldonado

Through our travels to MMA events across the Midwest, the staff of ProFighting-fans.com had the pleasure of meeting David Maldonado, The Complete Cutman, earlier this year. Below is an interview with Maldonado where he explains his credentials and how he brings more to the table than any other cutman in all of Mixed Martial Arts today.

PFF - Your business card read David Maldonado - DPT, ATC, SCS, CSCS. What do all of these acronyms mean?

DM - I have a doctorate degree in physical therapy, I’m a certified athletic trainer, board-certified sports clinical specialist, and certified strength and conditioning specialist.

PFF - You are a licensed MMA cutman, an athletic trainer and physical therapist. Tell us about your background and credentials.

DM - The list speaks of my efforts to constantly improve to help others. Those credentials I mentioned have been my way of being a sports medicine expert and it has been a great fit with working with MMA and fighters to prevent and treat injuries. Years ago I still wasn’t satisfied and did a 12 month sports residency to further prove what I do with others is cutting edge whenever possible. I was an athlete myself so I know the competitive spirit and the desire to achieve. I have worked with the NFL, MLB, PGA, and multiple major universities.

PFF - What made you get into this line of work?

DM - Not an exciting story, but I do find it amusing. I’m an MMA fan and after a couple years of watching events on TV, it became clear that I was seeing mistakes occur by the cutmen that my training naturally exposed. It occurred to me that I could be doing as good if not a better job, so I simply started putting myself around fighters and gyms where I could gain their trust and observe what needs they had. Then I simply had to test my non-existent sales skills and convince promotions to let me help them.

David Maldonado works a variety of MMA events throughout the Midwest.

PFF - What does a typical month look like for you in terms of MMA events?

DM - During the busy part of the year that includes March-September, it involves 3-7 shows a month during the weekends. In between those events it is simply a matter of recovering from the previous weekend, restocking and preparing for the next, and communicating with future event personnel to make sure all preparations are in place on their end. Not a full-time job, but to maintain the level of professionalism I insist upon, it does require some effort.

PFF - Tell us about one of the most extreme cuts or injuries you have had to deal with.

DM - Well when I first started working shows I actually had dislocated elbows in back to back shows so I started to think that I was attracting the injuries. It was strangely fun to be able to help the fighter alongside the physician to make sure the injury was managed. I did have one fighter who I believe tried to cut too much weight in combination with using those energy drinks (I don’t support the use of those) and he collapsed untouched during a fight and passed out with tachycardia, an elevated heart rate. We revived him and I believe he is fine. Those situations are ones where a standard cutman could not help a fighter in the way I could which is rewarding.

PFF - You deal with promoters, referees, doctors, cornermen and fighters all potentially multiple times in a single night. What main points do you try to communicate to each individual and how does your message differ from one person (referee) to another (fighter or cornermen)?

DM - Hmm, so much to say about this. With fighters and corners I simply assure them how I can help them and that I’m there to help their chance for victory. Referees need to hear what my skills and experience includes so they can trust me to help a fighter as much as possible in a fair and unbiased way. Unfortunately we rarely get the time to conversate much beforehand. With doctors I always make sure to humbly introduce myself and my background and assure them that I am there to help them do their job. My plan is only to make their night easier so they can make the big decisions. Promoters hear from me that I am their biggest supporter that night and want to do all I can to make it an exciting night of fights and to give them peace of mind. In all cases I pride myself on my professionalism, work ethic, and sincere concern for all involved.

PFF - What is the most challenging part of your job?

DM - At this point I would say the most challenging part is to convince a new coach, inspector, or referee to trust me and let me demonstrate my skills. Letting their guard down and trusting my expertise.

> Check out the expanded selection of UFC apparel & merchandise including Intimidaton clothing & more available online through Pro Fighting Fans!

PFF - What improvements would you like to see implemented in all states to help you do your job more effectively?

DM - Wow, great question. There are so few of me out there in the world, and currently none that compare with my total package of skills. So what would help would simply a chance to formally educate commissions on what potential exists and what flaws are present with laws and guidelines (states simply copy each other based on outdated boxing rules from decades ago). In addition, creating better consistency with rules and enforcing those rules would help tremendously.

PFF - Thank you for taking the time to speak with ProFighting-fans.com, a member of the DFN Sports Network. Is there anyone you would like to thank?

DM - Absolutely, any success I have is possible thanks to those who supported me and gave me the opportunity. Every organization I have worked with gets my full appreciation, I hope I have given them as much as they have given me. Intimidation Clothing has been so supportive of me as has Cramer Sports Medicine products. Never to forget my family and parents and Jesus who is first in my life.

For more about David's work as a cutman or to book him for a future MMA event please visit his official web site www.completecutman.com.