mixed martial arts bob sapp and genki sudo interview

Say what you will about Bob Sapp (and I usually do) but there are two things which are now unshakeable facts: He's a nice guy, and he's incredibly brave. I caught up with him after his rematch with Hoost, during the break before the championship bout of the K-1 Grand Prix 2002. He had a huge bandage over his broken right hand and was obviously feeling the damage from the shellacking Hoost gave him. But he came out to talk to the press and was in good spirits right through our interview.

This interview isn't word perfect because I didn't have a dictaphone so I was taking notes. As usual Bob was very polite and helpful outside of the ring. The 'Beast' persona is his gimmick. Its not the real guy.

Why did you have to pull out of the GP?

Bob Sapp : Well, I couldn't make a fist with my right hand so if I'd gone back out there I'd have to slap the guy like I did to Hoost in the second round (Sapp mimmicks bear slaps). So the doctor had a look and stopped me from going on.

When did you get injured?

Bob Sapp : I've actually been injured for 2 weeks. Me and my fight team put together a gameplan to try and win the tournament but during the fight the injury got worse and it had to change.

Did you take any painkilling injections before the fight, for the injury?

Bob Sapp : No, nothing. I just bit my top lip to get the adrenalin going, and away I went (laughs)

Hoost gave you some bad leg shots. How is the leg?

Bob Sapp : Well, it's all pretty badly bruised and it's pretty big. But it wasn't so bad that I had to stop.

What was it like to get dropped by that bodyshot?

Bob Sapp : It's no secret that I'm a beginner. Hoost introduced me to leg kicks in the first fight and this time around he introduced me to lung punches. The punches that take your wind away.

Would you like a third try at Hoost?

Bob Sapp : Well, (laughing) if he's the champ tonight, you'll probably see the Beast going against Hoost again. If his body can keep going. He's pretty old now so I don't know how much longer he can keep fighting. (this interview was 10 minutes before Hoost vs LeBanner)

How do you feel about the stoppage?

Bob Sapp : It was in the middle of the round. I think my corner told me it was about 1 minute and a half in. I was gaining momentum and power in my punches and there was a long time left. You have to respect the referee's decision. Hoost could've been going to the hospital if I'd hit him a few more times.

If not for the hand injury, could you win it all?

Bob Sapp : Oh yeah, definately. I had nothing left after the first fight, but this is my pitstop (indicates his crew). I was refuelled and ready to go.

Does fighting so often and under so many different rules hinder you skill acquisition?

Bob Sapp : It's not really harming my skill acquisition. I do all different stuff, the K-1, Pride, pro-wrestling. But I always pick a good fight team and they help me to be successful. But, being a beginner sometimes it's hard.

You made the decision to drop out. But it seems Ray Sefo (who he'd have fought in the semifinal) was also injured in his first bout and had to quit early against Hoost. Do you feel like even with the injury you could have gone out there and beaten him, in his weakened state?

Bob Sapp : Well, I didn't see that match. I was in the doctor's room having my hand treated. (asks his corner something). Oh well.... (shrugs his shoulders as if to say 'these things happen').

What are you doing next?

Bob Sapp : (Laughs) Korean barbecue! Eat as much as you like.

Then Sapp's handlers excused him as he was out of time and needed more treatment. He was in a good mood and there's absolutely no doubt his hand really was badly broken. It was swollen up big time.

Genki Sudo mini interview

super genki

By Nikuraba

This came out of the blue. I was just walking around ringside at K-1 and noticed Sudo hanging out and soaking up the big fight atmosphere. Despite the intrusion, he was friendly and willing to talk about his plans. I didn't have a dictaphone, and had to think up a few questions on the spot, so apologies for not asking him better questions or taking better notes. His agent translated, though Genki's english is so good, I'm sure he understood my questions anyway.

Following an impressive debut at UFC, which went over well with the English fans, we are interested to know who you'll fight next.

Genki Sudo : It will be in February for the UFC. The opponent isn't decided yet so I don't want to say publicly.

Your opponent, Leigh Remedias, is one of the best fighters in his weight in the UK. How do you feel the UK standard compares internationally?

Genki Sudo :Its not about who you are, it's who you fight. I fought well that night so I won, not because Liegh is not a good fighter. If Remedius fights more at international level he can become a good fighter at that level.

Who would you like to fight?

Genki Sudo :It doesn't really matter. I just want to be the champion.

And that was all I managed because the fights were on and I was kinda intruding. He was with a K-1 rep so maybe there are some efforts to get him back in K-1.