Mac Danzig: One-On-One
Posted by Chad Edward on April 19th, 2008Tonight in Montréal, Mac Danzig (17-4-1) will debut as a TUF champion versus Candian Mark Bocek (5-1). I caught-up with Danzig and asked him about Bocek, life after TUF, and his photography.
Fighters.com: Are you the type of guy who watches tapes and have brushed-up your jiu-jitsu to fight Mark Bocek; or, do you just train to fight your game?
Mac Danzig: A little bit of both. I watch as much tape on a guy as I can; but, I train to fight my fight. A guy like Bocek, with only six fights, is still evolving. He’s not the guy you see in the fight with Frankie Edgar. He’s susceptible to an uppercut or a knee; and, I’ve been training for that; but, Bocek is the type of guy who, if you miss, will take advantage of it.
Fighters.com: I’ve talked to Bisping and Evans about their TUF championships and both agree it’s a major career accomplishment. You were an established fighter prior to TUF. Do you agree it’s an important fighting accomplishment for you or more of a career move to gain exposure?
Mac Danzig: Yeah, it’s an accomplishment; but, mostly it’s been a vehicle to get exposure. I was at a point where I was trying to find my place in the sport. It was after PRIDE had fallen and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to get another fight in a big organization. Not that I was thinking about retiring; but, I wasn’t able to support myself fighting. Now, I’m able to support myself and focus on fighting.
Fighters.com: Do you think your serious attitude on TUF against the backdrop of some the knuckleheads illustrated the difference between professional fighters and tough athletes?
Mac Danzig: I wasn’t 100% with how the producers edited the show; but, on that point, yeah, I think it came across. A lot fans tell me they liked the show because it showed who was serious. Only about five or six of us were serious about fighting on the show and the rest were there just to get on TV.
Fighters.com: Tell me about your move to Xtreme Couture.
Mac Danzig: There’s no egos here. Everyone is here to help each other. It’s like a big family. If anyone did show up to start problems, it wouldn’t be tolerated.
Fighters.com: At your photography site: www.macdanzigphotography.com, there are a lot of desert landscapes. Why do you like the desert? Have you been able to get out into the Nevada desert since moving to Las Vegas?
Mac Danzig: It’s just desolate; but, there’s so much going on that’s not human. So much nature. There are all these old ghost towns. I’ve got some things planned after my fight in Montreal.
Fighters.com: Are you a serious hobbyist or could you see yourself paying the bills on photography one day?
Mac Danzig: I’d love to make a living as a photographer after fighting; but, it’s hard for someone like me because I want to stay on the artistic side. Most working photographers have to take assignments. I want to continue photographing what I like and if people want to buy it or use it, that’s great.
Fighters.com: I just read a piece about Kenny Florian being “not your average” fighter because he’s a smart guy. Noguiera was in law school, Liddell has a college degree, Rich Franklin and Jeff Monson have masters degrees. How much does intellect play in the field of fighting?
Mac Danzig: You have to be intelligent to stay focused and control your emotions.
happy said:
Good one. I like him. That was a good fight. Bocek took that knee and kept on coming. Tough dude for sure.