Kevin ‘The Monster’ Randleman – The Day of his Return at Sengoku II
By Dave Carpinello
So I just got off the phone with Kevin from Tokyo and here is what he had to say…
PDG: Only a few more hours until your fight; how do you feel?
Kevin: It is the day of the fight and I feel amazing. I have never felt stronger.
PDG: How does it feel to be back in action?
Kevin: I woke up at 2 o’clock in the morning and I cannot wait to get into that ring tonight.
PDG: Your opponent, Ryo Kawamura; what do you know about him?
Kevin: I know that he is the #2 ranked fighter in Pancrase in his weight class. They say that he is strong and has good technique. I met him at the weigh-ins yesterday and he seems like nice enough guy.
PDG: What advantages do you see for yourself going into this fight?
Kevin: The biggest advantage is that I am in a better place mentally and physically than I have ever been in my fighting career.
PDG: It has been over a year and a half since your last fight; what is the most important aspect of your game that has changed since that fight?
Kevin: I have finally cut all of the bullshit out of my life… which has allowed me to focus on my training and become a smarter fighter. The mental aspect of the fighting game is very important and I am right where I need to be now! I am not only physically fit but also mentally.
PDG: Sengoku II is in Japan; how excited are you to be fighting in front of the Japanese fans again?
Kevin: It feels great to be back in Japan. All of my fans from all over the world have been so supportive throughout the years, which why I always try to do my best for them. The Japanese fans have always been very loyal to me and it feels real good to be in Tokyo, because they are all excited to see my return to the ring.
PDG: In the weeks leading up to the fight; what was your training schedule like?
Kevin: I was training 2 to 3 times a day. We worked cardio and weights in the mornings, then some boxing around noon. In the afternoon and evenings, we worked wrestling and jui-jitsu. Training is my job and the actual fight is the fun part that makes all of the training worth it.
PDG: Josh Barnett and Jeff Monson are also on the same card; Monson will be your opponent later this summer. Who do you think wins this weekend?
Kevin: I would have probably picked Barnett before I got over here but after seeing Jeff, I don’t know because he looked great. With them knowing each other so well the fight could go either way. They both revealed at the press conference yesterday that both of them have incorporated some new training-fighting styles for this match-up. Jeff has been practicing Tae-bow and Karate and Barnett has been brushing up on his break-dancing and plans on bringing a piece of cardboard to the ring tonight. Barnett said that “Billy Banks ain’t got shit on him”. It was one of the most amusing press conferences that I have ever been a part of. I did not just make that shit up, it was hilarious but seriously, this fight could go either way because both seem very ready and they know each other so well.
PDG: Thanks again for taking the time and good luck tonight. Is there anything else you would like to tell your fans?
Kevin: I want to thank all of my fans for all of the support that they have given me over the years. I am very excited to be back and I am looking forward to giving all of my fans more great MMA memories in the near future.
Peace & God Bless – Kevin ‘The Monster’ Randleman
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