Kyle Kingsbury: The Evolution of a Fighter
Standing in the UFC octagon, a cold chill ran down Kyle Kingsbury's
spine. He felt his dream slipping away, as the referee raised fellow
Arizona State University graduate Ryan Bader's arm. The fight was for
the chance to be on the cast of "The Ultimate Fighter Season 8."
Kingsbury said "That was the toughest loss because I felt all of my
hard work was being erased." However he bounced back when injuries
which forced two contestants to withdraw from the competition, and he was
granted a spot on the show. Once placed in front of the cameras, his
electric personality became apparent. Many of his teammates embraced
his work ethic and penchant for breaking up the grinding practices
with a practical joke. His coach was the legendary Pride champion and
UFC Veteran Antonio Rodrigo Minotauro Noguiera. Kingsbury said "Big
Nog is one of the best teachers. He such a nice guy that he invited
me Bader and Efrain Escudero to come train with him in Miami after the
show finished filming." Despite the top level training and coaching,
his next fight was a hard-fought loss to Krzysztof "The Polish
Experiment" Soszyński. Even though he was out of the competition Kyle
remained in the forefront of the house controversy. When rival team
members began to steal food, Kyle came up with a very original plan
that led to some classic "Reality TV Moments." When asked about how
the controversy shaped his UFC career Kyle replied "I think it may
have helped get me some more attention. During that time my fights
were not to the level that I wanted them to be, but to this day fans
always come up to me and laugh about the pranks we pulled."
Using the knowledge and experience he gained from the show he embarked on his UFC career. His first test was fellow Season 8 cast member "Filthy" Tom Lawlor. Kingsbury battled and took Lawlor the full
fifteen minutes but yet again the outcome was not in his favor. The
unanimous descision loss was a low point in Kingsbury's career. Kyle
recalled the feeling after the hard-fought loss by saying "I really
thought I was done at that point. That's what made the opportunity at
UFC 104 even sweeter.” Kyle was signed to fight Razak Al-Hassan as a
preliminary bout for the stacked Shogun vs. Machida fight in Los
Angeles at the Staples Center. Faced with the biggest challenge of
his career Kingsbury looked for help outside of the gym. He said "I
worked with a sports-psychologist to help me get me in the right mind
frame for the fight, I knew it was do or die in terms of my UFC
career.” The outside help paid dividends as Kingsbury was pushed to
the brink during the fifteen minute battle. Kyle stood in the ring
and this time his named boomed loudly over the Staples Center's
speaker as he was declared victorious by a split decision.
We talked to Kyle after a day of training at A.K.A (American
Kickboxing Academy) about his recent training and his future
UFC plans.
Adam Gordon: Kyle you were recently training with Chuck Liddell in
Vancouver for his UFC 115 with Rich Franklin. What did you learn from
that experience?
Kyle Kingsbury: It was like getting to train with Muhammed Ali. Chuck is a legend and I hope it’s not over for him. Working with his boxing coach Howard Davis Jr. I could feel my hands get more powerful and crisp. I can't wait for my next fight to show my improved boxing skills. I was very impressed with how Chuck mixed in kicks against Rich. He was trying to give a great finish to the fight and unfortunately his hands were too low to block the counter punch. I really hope he can bounce back.
Adam Gordon: Has the UFC contacted you about who you will fight next?
Kyle Kingsbury: I was pushing hard to get on the UFC 117 card because its here in Oakland and now I'm fighting out of San Jose at A.K.A. it’s pretty great to train with beasts like Cain Velasquez and Bobby Southworth every day. It looks now like I will be fighting on the UFC card when they go to Arizona because I have a lot of fan support down there from my days playing football at Arizona State University.
> Check out the expanded selection of UFC apparel & merchandise and TapouT clothing & hats online through ProFighting-fans.com!
Adam Gordon: Speaking of your gridiron days, How do you feel about the recent sanction the NCAA just slapped USC with? You played against those juggernaut USC teams with Reggie Bush and Matt Lienart.
Kyle Kingsbury: Usually I hate when the NCAA gets involved and implements penalties, but I really hate USC so I don’t mind at all (laughs). We all knew Reggie was pushing a real nice Impala with a crazy sound system. To have your family get a free house is crazy so I dont mind the harsh penalties at all.
Adam Gordon: So what do you have planned for life after the octagon?
Kyle Kingsbury: I will become either a fire-fighter or an E.M.T (emergency medical technician). I've already begun some of the training and I can’t wait to help people for a living after my UFC days are done. I would probably already be a fireman now if I didn’t get the MMA bug.
Adam Gordon: Kyle thanks so much for taking the time to talk to a
fellow Sun-Devil.
Kyle Kingsbury: You got it Adam.
By Adam Gordon
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer
Photo used with permission by the UFC