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MMA-KO First off Steve its great to have you
here at MMA-KO and would like to thank
you for this opportunity, it is an honor.
Steve Heath Thank you for giving me this opportunity to talk
MMA-KO How did you originally get into MMA?
Steve Heath I’ve been doing martial arts my entire life. In
1997 I heard about an illegal underground fight and it intrigued me so I
entered it. I won both fights that night and that was the start of my
journey.
MMA-KO What was the hardest and toughest fight you
ever had?
Steve Heath Most people would assume that I would say Chuck
Liddell, but the truth is that my toughest fight has been outside the
ring. In 2004 I tore my ACL and Meniscus and during that time the MMA
world was starting to blow up and go mainstream. I had been in the scene
for years and felt like all of my hard work was passing me by. I had to
sit back and watch the people that I brought into the game leave me
behind. I was happy for their success but heartbroken because my health
prevented me from fighting. I learned during that time who truly
supported me. Just when I thought I was healthy and able to fight
professionally again in 2006, I ended up being hospitalized with a bone
infection. I went through another surgery and was told that there was a
chance that the infection had destroyed my leg. I had doctors telling me
that I would never return to the ring. My whole life I’ve been told that
I wouldn’t succeed but I believe that success is the effort that you put
into it. I had to fight my way back and it has been extremely difficult.
MMA-KO What was the most powerful moment ever in a fight ?
Steve Heath Fighting in my hometown was the most powerful
moment in my fight career. I never imagined that my first fight back
would be in front of the people I love. Walking out and hearing the
crowd chant my name made the road back worth every struggle.
MMA-KO Your next fight is for World Championship. Where you
will take on Josh Haynes Oct 12, at The Stockton Arena. This is going to
be a explosive fight. Tell us about this up and coming
Championship match?
Steve Heath This championship fight is a complete honor in
my eyes. James Grunsky has given me an amazing opportunity and I just
want to make my hometown proud.
MMA-KO Steve, you have fought and trained with some of
the greatest fighters in the world and have a huge fan base here in
Stockton. How do you deal with pressure coming in to the fight?
Steve Heath Can I answer that question when I’m done
fighting?
MMA-KO Where are you fighting out of now?
Steve Heath I train with Moses Cortes at Cen Cal Combat and
I still train with my original Sensei, Eric Shingu at Shingu Academy.
MMA KO How do you see this Championship fight going?
Steve Heath All I see is two fighters giving it their all
and when that happens it can only be dynamic and explosive.
MMA-KO Do you study fight tapes before facing an opponent ?
Steve Heath Honestly, I don’t have time to study fight tapes
and I don’t even own a computer to download fights. I work full time and
train on the side. If I have an extra hour during the day to watch TV,
I’m watching Hannah Montana with my daughter.
MMA-KO You are a devastating submission expert. What type of
training do you do to get such awesome skills?
Steve Heath Practice, practice and more practice
MMA-KO What is your mindset while approaching this
Championship fight?
Steve Heath Fight till I die.
MMA-KO Do you have any pre-fight rituals?
Steve Heath No
MMA-KO Tell me one thing about yourself that your fans
wouldn't suspect ?
Steve Heath Along with working full time and training, I
have full legal and physical custody of my 9-year old daughter and I
take care of my father. My family means the world to me.
MMA-KO What is the one thing you want people to know about
Steve Ray Heath?
Steve Heath Fighting is something I do, not who I am. It is
not my identity. I want people to know that everything I have is from
hard work. I’ve had a terrible childhood but I see my success in life
through the eyes of my daughter, not my MMA record.
MMA-KO Anyone you would like to thank?
Steve Heath My sister, Brandi Heath-Anderson and my brother,
Gary Brinkman. They have been my greatest fans inside and outside the
ring. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My daughter Jordan,
for letting me be her hero. I’d also like to thank Sensei Eric Shingu,
Moses Cortes, Izzy Santos, and all of the people I train with. When I
was down and out of the game, they believed in me and my talents. These
people refused to let me walk away or give up. There are so many other
people to thank, how long can this answer be?
MMA-KO Anything you would like to say in closing?
Steve Heath I’d like to say that every person that enters
the ring puts their heart and pride on the line. I respect all my
opponents and am grateful to be able to compete. I’ve been overwhelmed
with all of the support I have received from my fans. When it is all
said and done, I’d like to be known not only as Steve Heath the fighter,
but also as Steve Heath the father, friend and brother that everyone can
respect and admire knowing that I always gave it my all.
MMA-KO On behalf of MMA-KO we want to thank you Steve for
taking time out of your schedule for this interview.
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