Why He’s Always “Smile’n” – Getting to Know Sam Alvey

The Fighter: Sam Alvey

Weight Class: 185lbs (Middleweight)

Professional MMA Record: 24-6 (1 no contest)

Upcoming Fight: UFC Fight Night 61 versus Cezar “Mutante” Ferreira

“Smile’n” Sam Alvey has been all over the map when it comes to MMA. He’s fought for MFC, Bellator, King of the Cage and many, many more. But it appears he’s finally found his home in the UFC.

Before his upcoming bout on February 22, Alvey stopped by MMASucka.com to talk everything from chips and The Ultimate Fighter, to owning his own gym and fighting in the world’s biggest MMA promotion.

First of all, you’re coming off your first UFC victory – a first round KO over Dylan Andrews at UFC Fight Night 55. Were you happy with your performance? The finish? Describe how it felt getting your hand raised for the first time on the world’s biggest stage

Love how you’re always “Smile’n”. Good to see someone so upbeat and happy to be doing what he loves for a living. What keeps you motivated and makes you want to get up every day and do what you do?

You’re a former MFC Middleweight champion, as well as a former Bellator tournament competitor and King of the Cage fighter – how do those promotions stack up against the UFC?

You’ve got a fight coming up against Cezar “Mutante” Ferreira on February 22, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 61. How is training going for the fight and how excited are you to be facing an “Ultimate Fighter” winner?

Speaking of TUF, you were on the Team Carwin vs Team Nelson season, although you eventually lost to Joey Rivera via majority decision. How was your experience on TUF and would you do it all over again the same way if you could?

Every fighter has their “cheat”. What tempts you the most during a weight cut – A) Burgers B) Chips C) Chocolate D) Ice Cream E) Other

You’re 24-6 (with one no contest). 15 of your 24 victories have come via form of knockout. Is it safe to say a beautiful KO is most satisfying for you, or you prefer a slick submission or to drag your opponents into deep water and win a decision?

You’re a full time fighter at Team Quest – but if “Smile’N” couldn’t be fighting, what’s next in line as a career choice and why?

Training in MMA is tough, do you have a favourite quote or a philosophy you use to keep you going?

Anybody you currently look up to in MMA or anyone you have looked up to in the past? Any fighter past or present you try to model your style of fighting around?

*Sam Alvey’s next fight against Cezar Ferreira will take place on February 22, 2015 on Fox Sports 1. The main card begins at 8pm ET. Be sure to tune in and watch “Smile’n” in action.

Follow Nate Grotenhuis on Twitter @BurgersMMA