Whether you’re an office worker, a radio host or a fighter you wake up to do your job every day. So why would you ask Travis Browne if he’s “ready” for his upcoming match-up?
Browne (14-1-1) will step back in the cage and definitely be set to go against Alistair Overeem (36-12-1NC) this Saturday evening at the TD Gardens in Boston, Mass. for UFC Fight Night 26 on FOX Sports 1.
Travis Browne’s mental game strong heading in to “biggest name” opponent match with Alistair Overeem
In his last outing “Hapa” knocked out Gabriel Gonzaga very early in the first round. This victory got him back in to the win column after his first career loss in October 2012.
Not to dwell on the past, but that loss to Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva shook something up inside Browne. He is not old by any means, but the way the beginning of the end happened in that fight has led him to train a little differently. The preparation during this training camp should ensure that a freak accident like that does not occur again.
I hate to admit this, but as you get a little bit older your body changes. There’s good and there’s bad, and one of the bad things is that you’re not as flexible or pliable as you used to be. That’s something I’ve definitely been working on; I’ve been stretching and try to make sure that I stay injury free.
He has fought Cheick Kongo, he has fought Stefan Struve, he has fought Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva and he’s fought Gabriel Gonzaga. Is Overeem the 31-year old’s biggest challenge to date? His size is definitely up there, but is his skill-set?
I think Overeem is one of the best strikers that I’ve ever fought. My last fight against Gonzaga, I think he has a more well rounded game; I think “Bigfoot” has a better more well rounded game, but I think Alistair is the biggest name and he’s definitely the best striker.
The fact that Overeem is a big name would be a challenge to some, especially mentally. However, Browne doesn’t worry about facing a big name on such a big card.
I think certain guys, that would happen, but with me I think one of my strong points is my mental game. I’m not a weak fighter mentally. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you do, if you’re a fighter for a living or a babysitter it doesn’t matter to me. I’m going to go out there and do my job. I have a mental coach, his name is Marc Stevens and he’s in Albuquerque. A lot of people say that this game is 80% mental and 20% physical or even more than that. You definitely have to train that and whether you know it or not you’re training it. So if you don’t do it the right way then it’s going to hurt you in the long run.
There is a lot of chatter about PED’s in the sport of MMA recently, TRT in particular. Some support it, some don’t. Interestingly, his next opponent [Overeem] has a history of PED use. “The Demolition Man” tested positive for elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone (T/E) ratios prior to his UFC Heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos on May 26, 2012.
Prior to most fights, Browne weighs in at approximately 240-pounds and he definitely has a strong stance when it comes to TRT usage.
The way I look at it is, TRT leaves your body, then of course you’re going to need it. Too much of it is a bad thing, that’s because of taking steroids in the past and PED’s and stuff like that or whatever they want to call it. They ended up destroying their bodies and the system in their bodies, so now they need to supplement that with the TRT. As far as PED’s go, I think that gives you an excuse and it gives you a mental edge because you think that you need it. For me, the guys that use PED’s are just not as strong mentally and needs to be given an excuse in the cage.
Browne vs. Overeem goes down this Saturday night from the TD Gardens in Boston, Mass. Headlining the event is a light heavyweight match-up between Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Chael Sonnen.
To listen to the full interview with Travis Browne, as he talks even more about Overeem, FOX Sports 1, fishing, his nickname and more check it out HERE.
(Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-US PRESSWIRE)
