Bocek: I'm training to be as complete as possible and I'm ready to go wherever the fight goes.

Fighters.com recently talked to Canadian fighter Mark Bocek (5-2) as he prepares for his UFC 91 fight in Las Vegas 15 November.

Fighters.com: Mark, you’re a very experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter recently competing at the ADCC submission grappling world championships in 2007 where you quickly defeated Drew Fickett (35-6).  Your next opponent,”Kid” Alvin Robinson (10-6), is a jiu-jitsu brown belt.  Do you think experience will favor you in the upcoming fight at UFC 91?

Mark Bocek: Well, Alvin has had more professional fights than I have.  However, I feel that I’m better in every aspect of mixed martial arts.

Fighters.com: Certainly most analysts forecast your approaching fight with Robison as a potential jiu-jitsu chess match.  Have you placed any focus on stand-up or wrestling to make things more complicated for your opponent?

Mark Bocek: I’m training to be as complete as possible and I’m ready to go wherever the fight goes.

Fighters.com: You lost to Mac Danzig (17-5-1) via rear naked choke at UFC 83 in Montreal 19 April while Robison lost to Nathan Diaz (10-2) via triangle choke at Fight Night 12 in Las Vegas 23 January.  Some critics have said the approaching fight is a must-win scenario for both you and Robison.  Do you agree with this assessment? 

Mark Bocek: Yes, we are both hungry to win.  But, I don’t think about it.  This way I don’t put pressure on myself.  I know I will fight great.

Fighters.com: I read that you previously defeated “Batman” Kurt Pellegrino (12-4) as well as “Cabbage” Wesley Correira (19-15).  What’s the story behind these victories?

Mark Bocek: They were in grappling competitions.  I’m 1-1 with Kurt and I submitted “Cabbage” a long time ago at the Hawaii State BJJ Championships, when I was a blue belt in the absolute division.

Fighters.com: You are now a member of American Top Team out of Coconut Creek, north of Miami.  I believe you are the only Canadian member of the team.  How and when did you become affiliated with ATT?

Mark Bocek: Well, Denis Kang is also a member.  I needed to join a high level team with top guys in my weight class.  Marcelo Garcia is a good friend of mine and he put in a good word for me to [Ricardo] Liborio; and, they accepted me with open arms.  Everyone there is super cool and they are helping me so much.

Fighters.com: You now operate a gym as well in Canada.  Is the entire Mark Bocek Jiu-Jitsu-Team affiliated with American Top Team as well?

Mark Bocek: I coach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Xtreme Couture in Toronto.  My students train there and represent that gym.  Only I represent American Top Team.

Fighters.com: Who are some of your current training partners?

Mark Bocek: I currently train with Thiago Alves, Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante, Marcus Aurelio, Gleison Tibau, Mike Thomas Brown, Yves Edwards, Jorge Santiago, Carmelo Marrero, and Thiago Tavares.  It’s a very elite crew.

Fighters.com: You originally studied under both Renzo Gracie (13-6-1) and Rickson Gracie (11-0) before moving on to Nova Uniao to finish your black belt under Joao Roque (8-2-4).  Do you ever feel pressure to win fights via submission by having lineage to the legendary Gracie family?

Mark Bocek: There’s no pressure.  I do my best to train hard and then the best will always happen.

Fighters.com: Many people have cited UFC 91 as one of the biggest UFC fight cards to date.  Some industry insiders have predicted record pay-per-view sales for the event.  This could mean bigger exposure for you.  What are thoughts on being part of this card?

Mark Bocek: It’s a great honor and I’m ready.

Fighters.com: What’s next for Mark Bocek should you prove victorious at UFC 91?

Mark Bocek: Well, that’s up to the UFC but I will be ready to fight again.