MMABay sat down this week with UFC welterweight newcomer, Kenny Robertson for an EXCLUSIVE interview about his upcoming UFC 126 clash with Mike Pierce. We asked him whether it was an advantage or disadvantage facing someone with already four fights under their belt inside the octagon and here’s what he said…Hi Kenny,
Thank you for taking the time to sit down with MMABay and answer a few of our questions.
Robertson – Anytime Michael.
MMABay – You’re set to make your UFC debut early next month when you take on tough-as-nails grappler, Mike Pierce at UFC 126 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Can you give us your thoughts on what seems to be on paper one of the toughest fights they could have given you?
Robertson – I like this match up a lot actually. I think that we have common strengths. I think that I will be able to find an area at which I am better than Pierce and use that to my advantage.
MMABay – Pierce is no doubt going to try and use his wrestling to take you down, control you and look for the finish. What have you been working on to stop him from having it all his own way?
Robertson – I’ve wrestled my entire life so I’ve got a pretty good takedown defense, as long as I don’t over extend on a punch I think I will be fine. I also have reach on him so that will help.
MMABay – I’m sure you’ll agree that fighting Mike Pierce at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on a UFC card is a big step up from anything you’ve been involved with in the past. What past experiences do you feel have prepared you to take on this challenge head on?
Robertson – I have wrestled in big matches with thousands of people there before, that with visualization will have me prepared.
MMABay – What kind of statement do you think a win over Pierce would make for you, especially considering he’s already amassed a 3-1 record inside the octagon?
Robertson – That’s I belong here.
MMABay – You were originally due to make your promotional debut at UFC 122 in November, where you would have taken on Pascal Krauss on the card. Can you tell us a little about the injury you picked up and where you disappointed you’ve had to wait another couple of months to step into the octagon?
Robertson – It was a sparing day and I threw a kick and my big toe went right into a knee. The second part of big toe broke down the middle. I was amazed at what I couldn’t do because of it. I was disappoint about not being able to fight, but I knew it was the right decision, because I couldn’t do anything.
MMABay – You’re undefeated in your MMA career up to this point, winning all ten fights, nine of them inside the distance, including a fight with the Bellator Fighting Championship where you took on John Kolosci. Do you feel any additional pressure stepping into the octagon with an undefeated record?
Robertson – Not really, it’s just another chance to fight and to move up the ladder.
MMABay – Few fighters like to look too far ahead in their careers, especially just weeks away from making your debut with the world’s number one promotion. That said, most have someone in their division they would like to face either for personal or professional reasons, sort of a dream fight for one reason or another. Is there anyone at 170 pounds who sticks out for you at this point?
Robertson – You know not really, I just like to fight so whoever they give me is fine.
MMABay – Finally, for any new fans that will be tuning in for the first time on February 5th, what can we expect from you at UFC 126?
Robertson – A none stop fight from start to finish and I do like to finish.
MMABay – Have you got any sponsors you’d like to mention or people you’d like to thank before we finish?
Robertson – Bob Long, Ryan Blackorby, Joe Terry, Jimmy Kim and most importantly my wife Jennifer.
MMABay – Thanks for taking the time to speak to MMABay.
Robertson – No problem, thank you.
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