Antwain Britt Talks About Having to Leave The Ultimate Fighter

By Curtis Clontz

The unthinkable has happened to our Hampton Roads hometown hero. In every sport, injuries can dramatically change the focus of a game or season.

Antwain Britt has realized this first hand. On the second episode of The Ultimate Fighter, Britt was dropped because of an injury.

Although this is a big deal, Britt continues to smile and look at things in a positive light. I had the opportunity to talk to Antwain and get his thoughts on the second episode of TUF as well as his injury.

Interview

Curtis Clontz: First off, let's talk about the show and episode 2. The first fight they showed was one with British fighter Wesley Murch. He mentioned in an interview before the fight that he felt that he had the weight of the UK on his shoulders. Do you think some of the fighters on the show that lost put too much unnecessary pressure on themselves?

Antwain Britt: No, it was a lot of different reasons they lost, mostly because they were outmatched. Wesley was in charge of his fight; it sucks that he rolled his ankle; the flying knee attempt didn't make it any better though. Different people handle pressure in different ways, some crumble and some thrive.


CC: Other than your news, the final part of the show was the fight between Eliot Marshall and Karn Grigoryan. Almost everyone seeing this fight scored in favor of Marshall, how did you score it?

AB: I scored the fight for Karn. He was aggressive and stopped his sub. attempts.


CC: Did the coaches ever emphasize finishing fights and not going to a decision?

AB: Oh yeah, its all about finishing. Never leave it in the judges' hands.


CC: Frank Mir's assistant coach Ken Hahn said some great things about you in a recent interview (MMAJunkie.com), saying things like "Antwain Britt impressed me with his hunger for knowledge" and "He improved at least 30 percent in the time that I spent holding pads for him, which only lasted about 20 minutes." Tell us about your experiences with the coaches. Who was your favorite? What was the most important thing you learned from them?

AB: Ken was the man. He taught me a lot in the little bit of time. Frank Mir was a great coach. You can tell he loves to teach. I rolled with him and he is sick on the ground, nothing new about that though.

Frank Mir is considered to have one of the top Jui Jitsu games of any heavyweight fighter in UFC history. This was never more apparent than when he submitted a much larger opponent in Brock Lesnar in his last fight. Mir will step into the cage against a rival coach in this season's TUF after the show ends.

CC: Sorry to hear about the injury. On the show they didn't talk about it much, what happened? I am guessing it was all of the blocking he did with his face, right?

AB: Ha, yea. He dropped his head a lot, he did it during one of my onslaughts, I threw an overhand right and hit him right on top of the head. I felt it as soon as I did it. It was shortly into the 1st round. I walked to my corner after the round and told Ken and Robert (Mir's coaches) that I might have broken it. They asked can I go and I said "hell yeah" and I went. I had a great second round, beat him in every range and won. Frank told me how much heart and talent I had. It felt great to hear that from a guy like Frank Mir.

CC: At what point did you know you weren't going to be able to stay in the house and fight for your chance to be The Ultimate Fighter? You did know well before Dana told everyone in the meeting right?

AB: Yes, as soon as they x-rayed the hand I knew it was over. That is a horrible feeling, knowing you did everything you had to do to get where you needed to be, now this. I have never been injured in a fight until then. It was like "not me, not now." Especially when you know how hard you've worked and how much you've given up.


CC: On the show it appeared that they said you're gone and that was it… Was it really that easy?

AB: No, we had exit interviews, medicals. I talked with Dana and that's about all I can say about that.


CC: Looking at the 205-pounders that made it in the house, who do you feel would have given you the biggest challenge?

AB: They were all good but if I had to pick I would say Ryan Bader. He's a good wrestler and strong. Krystof is a hard striker so I would say one of those guys but I think I would have done REALLY well!


CC: Do you feel that barring your injury that you could have won the show?

AB: YES! I would have won the show!

Not making it on the show is not the end of the world. UFC fighter John Fitch was supposed to be cast for the first season of the show, but at the last minute was held off. He made an incredible run in the 170-pound division and won 8 straight fights until finally suffering his first loss in the UFC against George St. Pierre in a title shot. The show is a great recruiting tool and has provided the sport with great talent. It did provide the UFC with a first-hand look at Antwain and hopefully this isn't the end of Britt's run to the UFC.


CC: Enough with rubbing the salt into the wounds, I have heard that you have been doing good things lately. I heard you on ESPN Radio as well as seen your new website. Have you had a positive feedback from the fans since being on the show?

AB: Yeah, it's really busy for me. The fans' feedback is great, the fans are great. I love to get photos and emails from my fans so keep sending them. Check out my blog on antwainbritt.com and hit me at antwainbritt@gmail.com.

CC: How is training coming along?

AB: Good man, training like I would if I was fighting so stay tuned.


CC: Finally, the most important question and the one that I keep hearing the most, when can we expect to see The Juggernaut fighting again?

AB: I'm fighting at the Patriot Center on Oct.11 vs. Terry Cohen for UWC, should be a good one he's a tough guy!

Terry Cohen is a fighter out of Palatka Florida. He has a record of 3-1.

As always, Antwain was more than happy to answer questions. Stay tuned to TSR for more from Antwain and local MMA.

TSR Exclusive! The Antwain Britt Interview

Get more pictures like this from SHERDOG.COM

By Curtis Clontz

The Ultimate Fighter is the biggest and baddest MMA reality series of them all! Champions and many contenders have risen to fame due to the show. Virginia Beach’s own Antwain Britt could be the next in line for MMA superstardom.

This past Wednesday, Antwain made his TUF debut, as they aired the first show of the season. Antwain was shown several times talking throughout the show. They also showed his fight which awarded him a bed in the TUF house.

Britt is a very busy man but took time out of his schedule to conduct an interview with me. We here at TSR will continue to be on the forefront of the Antwain Britt story as he climbs to the top, as well as your one stop place for Tidewater MMA.

If you have anything that you would like to ask Antwain, leave it in the comments section. I will do my best to get it to him and provide you with an answer.

The Interview

Curtis Clontz: First off, congratulations on making in onto the show. That in itself is a huge accomplishment.

Antwain Britt: Thank you, it feels good to be noticed for something you love doing so much.


CC: Before we talk about the show, tell me about your MMA career before the show?

AB: Well, I was 5-0 as an ammy with 4 K.O's and as a pro I'm 5-0 with 5 K.O's. Needless to say I'm a striker.

Note from Curtis:

Antwain is definitely a striker. He has won most of his fights in less than 1:30 and comes from Hybrid which is known for their striking.


CC: You train at Hybrid Academy of Martial Arts in VA Beach. Tell us about that school and how it has prepared you for this moment.

AB: Well, my coach Buck Grant told me from my first fight that I had the potential to be very good. From that point I trained up and with the help of some good sparring partners, and good conditioning I'm where I am now. I believe that if I would have gotten with any other camp I would be nowhere as good as I am now.


CC: Tell me about the TUF tryout. Did it have the feel of football tryouts? What all did they have you do to show your skills?

AB: Actually, I didn't have to tryout. Joe Silva (the match maker for the UFC) contacted me and asked would I like him to send my info to the producers of the show. Three days later I got a call from them. I put a video of my fights together and training footage and I got invited to Vegas.


CC: There is no question that you are the next big thing to come out of Virginia Beach. On the first episode of this season, fans around the world will get their first glimpse of you. For those fans, is there anything you want to say?

AB: Yes, I'd like to thank them in advance. You have to realize that three years ago I was a regular working stiff. I'm thankful to be where I am now. I'm always aware of what the fans need from me. I'll always take the extra pic or sign the extra autograph for my people. It's been said but I really do love my fans.


Note from Curtis:
Antwain has always been more than happy to do an interview, answer questions, or provide me information. Success has not gone to his head, and he is one of the most down to earth professional athletes you will ever meet.


CC: When you showed up with the other guys and had a chance to fight your way onto the show, what was the mood like in the room?

AB: It was a cloud of insecurity. There were so many guys from so many different parts of the world, nobody knew anyone else. So needless to say the tension was thick. There were a lot of good guys there and I made some good friends.


CC: Dana White has said the next Anderson Silva is on this season's TUF--that's you right?

AB: Damn right, (laughing). No, I'm not sure who he was talking about, but my goal is to put on a show!


CC: We have seen from the previews that one fighter had a very hard time cutting the weight. I know you had to cut a good amount of weight for the show--did you have any problems?

AB: Na, no problems with weight. I eat pretty well year round so I stay pretty close. I cut weight in a smart way also. I stepped off the plane about 210lb.


CC: Did the UFC or associated officials do anything to assist with the weight cutting or did they step back and let you guys do what you do?

AB: They set us up with everything we needed to cut, but the work was on us.


CC: In every season of TUF many of the fighters have changed weight classes after the show. What do you think the main reason is for this, and does it hurt or help the UFC?

AB: You always want to be the big fish, I'd rather be a huge 205er then a small heavyweight. I think that’s the biggest reason. I think if you have the talent then the weight class doesn’t matter.


CC: How early once taping started did the coaches start helping?

AB: Immediately, the coaches were great. I’ve always been a Frank Mir fan, now even more so.


CC: Did your opinion about the UFC change after being on the show?

AB: Not at all. The UFC is the big dawgs of MMA.


CC: At this time, what is your goal in MMA?

AB: To be the biggest star I possibly can through quality wins and a sound business plan.


CC: Are there any sponsors or anyone that you would like to thank?

AB: For sure. I'd like to thank Max nutrition, XS energy drink, 55gear, Fightniteoutlets, Swampdogkennels, Igoo designs, Star mouthguards, Team Hybrid and Patriot fighter and all my team at Hybrid academy.


CC: In closing, do you have any additional comments about the show or anything you want to share?

AB: Tune in Wednesdays at 10pm [on the Spike channel] to see me do my thing.

Keep up with Britt by Signing up for Free TSR Email Alerts

If you did tune in, then you saw what the juggernaut is all about. Antwain is truly a force to be reckoned with in the cage. Make sure you tune in next week and see what trouble the fighters cause, as well as follow Britt in his quest to be The Ultimate Fighter.

If you have not signed up for email alerts when a new story drops on TSR, this is the time! News about Britt, MMA, local sports, and our column of Curtis Sounds Off will be uploaded frequently.

Antwain Britt in Virginia Beach to Showcase Talent on Granby Street in Norfolk, Virginia

Antwain Britt is the next MMA superstar to come out of Virginia Beach. If you have plans Wed the 17th of September, cancel them. If you don’t have plans, you do now! Join Antwain and several local MMA personalities at Scottie Quixx’s on Granby Street. It will be an eventful night so make sure you are early. People will start to show around 4:00 PM. Antwain will be on hand to sign autographs and meet with fans. Also on hand will be hosts of the new MMA radio show on ESPNRadio, The Fight Zone’s Buck Grant and Greg Smith. UFC Fight Night will begin at 8:00 PM. The Fight Night will also contain exciting action as TUF Season 5 winner Nate Diaz takes on Josh Neer.

If you have never seen the show before it is a must watch for anyone interested in the sport of mixed martial arts. The season will start as they cut 32 guys to 16 to make the show. On this show don’t do it like others, on TUF they now fight for the right to live in the TUF house and train with world class coaches. The participants will come from all different backgrounds and will have much different strength. Antwain’s strength truly is in his hands. He has the rare one punch knockout power that can finish a fight at anytime.

Scotty Quixx is located at 436 Granby Street Norfolk, Va 23510. This is a once in a lifetime chance to watch the TUF reality show with one of the contestants. Come out early, bring your camera, and get your picture taken with a superstar in the making!

Bushido MMA in Portsmouth Hosts Brazilian Jui Jitsu Seminar: Photos of the Action

By Curtis Clontz

TSR is the leading site for Hampton Roads area MMA and combat sports. Brazilian Jui Jitsu Black Belt Chris Blanke recently held a 3 day seminar at Bushido MMA in Portsmouth. TSR was fortunate enough to be on hand for the great teaching and training.

The Toledo Jiu Jitsu Center's website states that Chris is a certified Black Belt under Saulo Ribeiro. He has trained extensively with Saulo, Xande Ribeiro and Regis Lebre. In fact Saulo and/or Xande lived with Chris in Toledo for six years; they hold 12 world titles between them.

Chris and his students have competed all over the world and won many championships. He was Saulo's partner in the best selling DVD Jiu-Jitsu Revolution 1. Chris is without a doubt one of the top BJJ instructors in the United States. Chris began training in the art of Wing Chun Do Gung Fu.

Throughout his training he excelled and decided that he wanted to become an instructor. He then became a qualified instructor under the legendary James W. DeMile. DeMile was one of Bruce Lee's original students from Seattle. Chris is a very intelligent person and an outstanding teacher.

The three day seminar hosted by Bushido MMA had a great turn out. A mix of students was on hand for the superb training with ages ranging from 12 to over 40. The students learned BJJ and submission wrestling. Chris was assisted by Bushido instructors Greg Smith and Alan Merullo throughout the clinic.

In the above photo Chris Blanke demonstrates one of the variations to finish a rear naked choke on Bushido MMA fighter Scott Cozart. Chris also taught various ways to take an opponent's back and how to finish once you have their back.

In the above photo Greg Smith and Chris Blanke demonstrate how to control someone and prevent them from punching you if they have taken you down.

Chris was very helpful for all of the students attending the seminar. He was more than willing to share his knowledge. In this photo he listens to questions from the students.

All of these pictures have been donated by Michael Hallett. He was more than happy to provide TSR with his photography. Mr. Hallett is a part of Green Heat Inc., which provides solar hot air heating for homes and businesses. If you are interested in his services please contact him at 757-677-6770.

Bushido MMA is continuously providing the Tidewater area with many opportunities to improve their fight game, learn self defense, or get in shape. In the near future they will be hosting a seminar with professional boxer Dorin Spivey. TSR will let you know ahead of time more details about that seminar.

If you are interested in training at Bushido or think it could be for you, come by and give it a try. They offer a free week trial. Be sure to let them know you heard about them on TSR!

Bushido MMA is located at 3050 High Street, Portsmouth, VA 23707.

For more infomation, call them at 757-391-0321

Curtis Sounds Off: Seattle Seahawks to Rule NFC in 2008

By Curtis Clontz

It is opening week around college campuses around the nation and that means one thing. The NFL is starting next week! This time around on Curtis Sounds Off I am going to give you my predictions for the NFL season to come.

This time around I am going to provide you with my NFC picks. You will agree with some of my picks and many you won’t (such as how high I am on Seattle and low on New Orleans). If you haven’t subscribed make sure you do so, I have some exciting additions coming up and you do not want to miss a post.

So no more chit chatting and dancing around it. Here are my preseason picks for the NFC. I am going to give you the top 2 teams in each division as well as my picks for the NFC title game and NFC Champ. I will also give you additional tidbits on awards along the way.

NFC East

The NFC East has the potential to be one of the closest divisions in football, behind Dallas that is. No surprise that I think Dallas has a shot to run away with this division and possibly make a run into the playoffs. That of course would mean that they find healthy wide receivers, Romo finally can carry the load into the playoffs (while not fumbling), avoid the off field drama with Jessica Simpson, and that T.O. can keep his mouth shut for another season. Not to mention the athlete formally known as Pacman who was known for making it rain in the strip club. This team reminds me of the old school Raiders who seemed to be a harvest ground of troubled players. They may have issues and drama but they should be able to put it all together on the field. Taking up second in this division will be the NY Super Bowl Giants. If Eli can continue his heroics of last season then this team with be 2nd at worst in this division, if not they could find themselves blaming the injury bug as the Redskins pass them up. As an upset alert for this division the eagles could soar and provide a Donovan of old to produce wins. They can upset any team in this division if they can put together consistent on field play and a healthy QB.

Top QB - Tony Romo
Top RB - Clinton Portis
Top WR - T.O.

NFC North

The NFC Farve-less North is also going to be a competitive one. However it will be competitive because at this point there is no clear cut winner, and no team without tons of questions. The team with the most upside but one huge question mark is the Packers.

They have a very young and talented team and if Aaron Rodgers is the QB they think he can be, they should be able to pull away in this division. If not they will find themselves in the mix with the Bears and Vikings. Speaking of questions, is it illegal to hand the ball off 100% of the time? Minnesota’s lack of a passing game could lead to their demise as teams will stick 8 or 9 in the box and prevent the Vikings to run on them (google run blitz).

I see Adrian Peterson suffering some sort of lingering injury that will hurt his production for the season (why I wouldn’t have taken him with #1 fantasy football pick). Speaking of no passing game… Da Bears are still searching for one. Their D is aging and Devin Hester seems to be their best offensive weapon. Scary for a team that is hoping for success. I have Green Bay coming out on top with the Bears a short second. The Lions will hang out in the cellar yet again.

Top QB - Aaron Rodgers (tell me a system can’t do wonders for a young QB, i.e. Big Ben)
Top RB - Adrian Peterson (when healthy), Ryan Grant (when AP gets that injury)
Top WR - Roy Williams

NFC South

Congratulations, you are officially the worst division in all of football. Yea, I said it. In this division the New Orleans Saints will run away from the rest of this weak league. Although I am predicting them to win out of this division, I am very down on this team.

They are one Drew Brees injury away from disaster. Reggie Bush will yet again prove that he is a better slot receiver than a RB, Deuce will show that he isn’t as healthy as people think (and no one is claiming he is healthy), and Brees will only be able to throw to his shiny new tight end so many times. Speaking of TE, he sure was important for the Giants in last season’s playoffs… Oh wait… he was on the bench.

Even with all of these problems they will still be the best team in this league. The city is still fragile from Katrina and need this team to shine. Second in this division will be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They have a very good offensive line and should have a great year behind RB Earnest Graham. He will catch balls out of the back field as well as put up solid running numbers.

Joey Galloway is an underrated WR (call it age, 36) but he will get looks in the highly efficient passing game behind Jeff Garcia. They could steal this division with ease from the Saints. As for the Falcons, Matt Ryan may be the future but the shadow of Michael Vick will still be highly evident throughout the season.

Top QB - Drew Brees
Top RB - Earnest Graham
Top WR - Reggie Bush (if in the slot), Steve Smith post suspension

NFC West

The NFC’s western division has two solid teams but I only see 1 making a run into the post season. The top team in this division will be the Seattle Seahawks. Sure, they seem to be getting old, but the injury bug is hitting early and will allow them to be healthy and in top form in mid season.

Hasselbeck is underrated in terms of reading defenses prior to the snap. Julius Jones was cut from Big D for a reason, don’t look for him to put up great stats this year, and don’t be surprised is Maurice Morris takes his job before season’s end, or makes this team run a 2 back system full time. If the receivers step up the O could be a top 5. The D is already a top 5 NFC and possibly NFL. The D will carry this team.

Fantasy Football monster Steven Jackson has his contract and will look to prove that he is worth all of that money. Last season the Rams were bombarded with injuries and struggled to recover, this season the Rams O line is average at best and Bulger could be running for his life all year. Jackson could be the savior for this team. They will be improved but will be watching the playoffs with us in front of the T.V. The 49ers finally benched poster boy Alex Smith and that is a move in the right direction. Smith may be Mr. Right, he just isn’t Mr. Right Now.

Top QB - Matt Hasselbeck
Top RB - Steven Jackson
Top WR - Anquan Boldin (trust me! Will reap the benefit of Fitzgerald double teams)

The NFC has been over shadowed by the AFC’s Patriots and Colts for many years now. New school Cowboy’s fans can’t even remember the last time they won a playoff game. However this year could be different.

Dallas is possibly the most complete team in the NFL and that will lead them to have a great year and solid playoff run. I am high on the Seattle Seahawks. They will start off slow but will never go away and I see them making a run late (see NY Giants). Remember this… it isn’t always the best team that wins, it is who is playing best at the right time…

NFC Playoff - Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys
NCF Champ - Seattle Seahawks

Later on in the week I will give you my AFC picks as well as the results of my fantasy football draft, and trust me I have some outrageous picks for ya!