MMA ‘an art that can be brutal and eloquent’, says Trevor Smith

Middleweight fighter defends MMA and bats for fellow practitioners ahead of Thursday's UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi.

Trevor Smith has had to battle nerves and his inner demons to become a good fighter. Lee Hoagland / The National

Which combat sport from the many that make up MMA would you consider your favourite and why?

I love them all like a fat kid loves cake. My taste and love for each individual discipline is always changing. Right now boxing is my greatest love. There is nothing that feels better than landing crispy punches and dancing around the ring leading an opponent into combinations and forcing them to take an early nap.

What’s behind the nickname?

I have always been a little bit fiery, a little bit crazy. “Hot Sauce” was a nickname giving by my training partners because I always went to the gym with fire in my heart, ready to throw blows and make the most out of every training session. It’s a very close representation of my personality. At first I disliked the nickname but it has since grown on me and I have fully embraced it.

What led you to begin a career in MMA?

Punching people in the face was more entertaining and a better fit for me than sitting behind a desk working a 9-5. My degree is in business but my heart is in combat.

Describe yourself as a person.

I’m a lunatic and it seems to be getting worse with age.

Describe yourself as a fighter.

See the previous question!

Who was your toughest opponent and why?

Me. The internal battle against demons, nerves and past experiences is my toughest opponent. The psychology of fighting and controlling ones emotions and bodily reactions to stress, anger and anxiety is just as big, if not bigger, than the physical training required for each bout.

How do you rate your chances of victory in Abu Dhabi?

I have been living under a rock in the land of serial killers and endless rain waiting for an opportunity to showcase my skills on a world stage. The battle is won, victory is mine. On April 11 Thales Leites and I will meet and discover the truth of who is the better mixed martial artist and, God willing, the fans will love every minute of it.

What’s your perfect day off?

A sunny day on the beach with my six-year-old son sipping something cold, listening to something pleasant and feeling the gladness of being alive.

What do you say to people who call UFC ‘barbaric’?

I would start by giving them a smile, and a hug. If they understood the technique and the determination it takes to get to the top of the game they would see it differently.

Fighting is an art that can at times be brutal but it is always very eloquent.

I thought of the sport as barbaric and brutal before I became involved and fully immersed in it.

I was wrong, there are some brutes and barbarians involved in the sport but for the most part fighters are some of the most enlightened and understanding people on the planet.

Follow our sports coverage on Twitter @SprtNationalUAE