Ben Callum Chats To The Addicted.
Ladies and gentlemen Mr Ben Callum.
Addicted: Hi Ben how is your preparation for your fight with Tautvydas going?
Ben: We haven't had that much time really so we are just trying to learn what we can from what little we have on him. There isn't that many video's on him to watch.
Addicted: Of course your original match up Mark Weir has pulled out due to injury. Have you changed your game plan up or were you looking to implement your own strengths anyway?
Ben: Yes it's annoying when people pull out of a fight so late because you really focus on the guy you think you are going fight. Suddenly you have to start thinking about what sort of strengths and weakness you can see in a totally different opponent. Although preparing for someone like Mark Weir has meant that we have had to work on all areas because of his experience as a Mixed Martial Artist and I think that has helped me stay focused enough to beat Tautvydas.
Addicted: You're at the stage in your career now where you are looking to fly up
the rankings in your weight category. Tautvydas is certainly a very experienced and dangerous fighter. Do you think a good win against Tautvydas will help you with the climb?
Ben: We have a game plan like most committed fighters and that is to one day be knocking people out in the UFC but until then you need to keep beating the people in your weight division domestically. So yes every win not only helps with the rankings but I think more importantly it helps to build confidence in your ability.
Addicted: Your last win against Charlie Langley was highly impressive and once again really show cased the power that you possess in your hands. But you have also shown a very solid ground game in the past as well. Where do you feel your biggest strengths lay and how do you see your game evolving over the next couple of years?
Ben: Obviously because I started in boxing I feel confident with my hands but we work on being well rounded. I didn't really learn much from my last fight but in this sport the learning never stops.
Addicted: If you get this win who would you like to face next?
Ben: I always take things one fight at a time. Usually I will sit down with my coaches and management team. However, as my next fight will more than likely be the UCMMA Middleweight tournament final the choice element has been taken out of our hands.
Addicted: Do you have a message that you would like to give to Tautvydas?
Ben: Let's Bring it! Let's put on a good fight for the fans.
Addicted: Any shout outs you would like to give Ben?
Ben: I would like to thank all the people around me who are helping me develop as fighter. People like Alan Keddle and Jude Sammuel and Andrew Marshall. I would also like to thank Dynamic fightwear and Dynamix Nutrition and my management team at Pro-Game Management. Also for those interested in following my career can follow me on Twitter @BenCallumMma.
Finally I'd like to say Rest in peace. mum you are dearly missed.
Addicted: And of course our signature question. Outside of MMA what is Ben Callum addicted to?
Ben: Good Food, I love training, MMA is my life and when I am not training I'm eating.
Addicted: Thank you for taking the time to chat to us Ben and all the best with your fight against Tautvydas next week.
Ben: Thank you guys for taking the time out to chat to me. It's always great to see guys such as yourself helping MMA to grow in this country.
Addicted: It`s all our pleasure Ben, without the fighters like you we wouldnt be able to do what we do.
All images by The Boogeyman.
You can follow Ben on Twitter:@BenCallumMMA
Published by Boogeyman - Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:05
