Shout it out loud!

UFC 99 PRE-INTERVIEW - May 1st, 2009

Heath, first of all I would like to thank you for taking the time. There are only a few weeks left until your next fight. How are you and how is training going?

I'm doing great, training is going as expected.

Let's talk about the person Heath Herring first. What can you tell us about your early days? Where did you grow up, how was school etc?

Nothing really, exceptional about my youth that I can think of. Typical Texas upbringing I would say.

Before becoming a fighter, did you have a normal job?

Believe it or not I was a helpdesk operator for a corporation, Hastings Entertainment, before I started fighting professionally.

At one point you then got into martial arts. When was that, and what type of martial art did you first train in?

Actually, I never did study any type of Martial Art I just started fighting and picked things up along the way.

In 1997 you had your first professional fight. What eventually brought you into mixed martial arts?

I had just graduated high school, shows how old I am, and got an offer to fight so I took it and went form there!

In only your second fight you fought the late Evan Tanner, who later competed at middleweight, weighing nearly pounds less then you. I assume that Evan might have been heavier then but you still were the bigger man. What can you tell us about the old days when the rules, especially weight classes, were different and fights against significant smaller guys weren't unusual?

Things were ALOT different back then. I'm not sure what else you want me to say?

Being only 22 years old, you already had 18 fights under your belt. That's nearly a fight every second month, not bad. Was this no problem for you? I mean, nowadays, guys fight three to four times a year. I think that was one of my advantages, I just fought as much and as often as possible.

In 2000 you went to Japan to compete in PRIDE. It's not the most coherent step to go from smaller shows all over the world to the big stage in Japan, so how did you get there?

LOL that's such a long story I'm not sure I can type it all out! Short version I went to Holland to join the Golden Glory team and they got me into Pride.

Winning five of your first six bouts, in 2001 you were given the opportunity to fight for the PRIDE Heavyweight Title against Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira. What did it mean to you to fight for the first ever PRIDE Heavyweight Championship and how did the fight go?

To be honest it was pretty overwhelming fighting in Tokyo Dome and all.

After the loss you came back with two victories before facing Fedor Emelianenko, who at this point in time was already considered one of the best heavyweight fighters. Losing to him is no shame at all. At least you stayed for ten minutes in the ring with him, more that most of his opponents. What can you tell us about Fedor?

LOL what can I say? He's a great fighter.

Unfortunately you next were matched up with another dangerous opponent in Mirko Cro Cop and lost after he landed a hard liver kick, but you rebounded with a great winning streak but in late 2004 you and PRIDE went separate ways. On the internet it only says there were disputes with PRIDE management. Can you give us any further details?

Not really.

You stayed in Japan and competed for K-1 HERO's. The most memorable moment there, maybe of your entire career, was the Yoshihiro Nakao-Incident. Can you explain our readers what exactly happened and how you see this whole thing today?

LOL I think it's pretty self explanatory if you see it!

After seven years in Japan, in 2007 you returned to the United States. Was is always kind of a dream for you to fight for the UFC or why did you come back to America?

Not really. It's just how things fell into place to be honest.

In July you lost for the third time in your career against Minotauro Nogueira. You beat the best in the game, but is he something like your kryptonite or why can't you beat him?

LOL I don't know!?

You returned to the Octagon winning against a tough opponent in Cheick Kongo who currently is one of the top contenders for the title. Do you think this win still counts and with one or two more wins you are also in the mix for a title shot?

It doesn't really matter what I think. The UFC does what it wants.

The most recent fight you were in was against the current UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar. Already in the first seconds of the fight he caught you with a big right hand and then laid on top of you for most of the 15 minutes and in the end lost a unanimous decision. What happened that night? Did you just have a bad day or hadn't you enough time to train properly, coming in as a replacement for Mark Coleman?

Believe it or not fighters are people too! LOL! Sometimes we have a bad day; the only difference is there are millions of people to see it.

After a ten month layoff, on June 13th you will step in the Octagon again, facing up and comer Cain Velasquez. How would you stylistically describe your opponent and can you tell us a little bit about your game plan in that fight?

Well, he's a wrestler who's training in kickboxing. And for the game plan you'll have to wait until June 13th to see it!

Of course UFC 99 in Cologne will be the first time a major MMA show in promoted in Germany. Have you ever been here? What do you expect?

LOL oh yes, I've been to Koln before! I lived in the Netherlands for about 4 years. I'm really expecting a lot of excited fans and looking forward to putting on a great show for them!

Being only 31 years old, you already can look back at a great career. In your twelve years as a pro you had more than 40 fights, what makes you one of the most experienced guys in all of MMA. Who would you consider your toughest opponent, what would you say was your best fight and what do you want to achieve in the future?

LOL lots of people ask me that question and I have to say I found them all tough opponents. As far as the future goes, I'll be honest when I started fighting I never expected it to take me as far as it has so we'll see where the future takes me.

You recently starred in the movie Never Surrender alongside some of the sport's biggest names in Georges St. Pierre, Quinton Jackson, Anderson Silva and BJ Penn. Is acting something you would like to do after your career and follow in the footsteps of for example Randy Couture or was this one time only?

LOL I really enjoyed acting actually! We'll see what the future holds but, I'll definitely take the opportunity if it arises.

Well, we're coming to the end. I would like to thank you again for standing by. We really appreciate it. Good luck in your upcoming fights, we look forward to see you in the Octagon June 13th in Cologne. If you would like to thank somebody, feel free to do it now.

Yes, I'd like to thank all of the fans for all their support over the years. Also, Wanderlei for free use of his gym and the Warrior Training Center which is always a great place to train. Take care.

UFC 87 - August 9, 2008

"Hey Man, I just to say that was a hell of a fight you gave Brock. You fought right till the end and you have a shit more class then that as^%#ole!! What a cocky f$%k he is. I wish you the best, and hope you come back stronger and better!!!"
Norm Minuk
A new fan of Heath Herring
Winnipeg Manitoba Canada

"I just wanted to take a minute to say thanks for the time Friday in Minneapolis. I was the father of the 2 boys that stopped to say Hi at Hooters after the weigh in. I was always a fan of yours since the Pride days but I have to say that you made 3 more fans in my wife and boys. I was impressed that you took the time and effort to sign my boys shirt and talk for a minute with us. It really made our day. The kids had a hard time watching your fight with Brock as they were pulling for you, but we all know that you will be back better than ever! Good luck with next fight and thanks again!"
Brett Mattys

"Heath, I just wanted to let you know that all the guys up here at the United States Military Academy, West Point are rooting for you! We wish you the best and will be cheering for you on Saturday night!"
Jimmy Smith
Major, Armor
Course Director-MS 310 Tactics
Military Art and Science Major
United States Military Academy, West Point, New York

"Don't let the loss get you down. you're a great fighter. i must admit i'm a huge brock lesnar fan and was cheering for him, but i think you're a good dude and an excellent fighter. brock is super-human. no one can stop him. not even the best fighters like yourself. so take solace in that. you just need to get back in the gym and fight again as soon as possible. you would have the belt in most other leagues. you probably could still win the ufc belt. just keep your head up. you put up a good fight when most others would have been done after the first punch."
Small Axe Big Tree

Good luck dude, I hope you kick Brocks ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your fan
Roy

"Hey Heath, Just wanted to show some support, seeing you fight last night against Brock opened my eyes to how gutzy you are...Brock was very disrespectful in my opinion and very unsportsmanlike at the end of the bout! Keep your chin up man! Your a warrior!"
Mark

You were a champion tonight, and turned me into a fan. The other guy had no class, that fkn yankee, I was so pissed at his disrespectfullness. Txgurl
xxxooo
Heather C.

"I would like to congratulate Heath on a great fight. He looked to be in the best shape he has been in, in the past few years. He displayed the true heart of an MMA fighter which has always been Heath's biggest asset. Brock Lesnar showed no class and failed to give the respect a veteran such as Heath deserves. Instead of fighting to win he fought not to lose and showed little skill to impress the hardcore fans. Hang in there Heath."
Bill Durling

I went to Affliction and saw some awesome fights. It was my first big-time show I've ever been to. I knew I might get to meet some fighters, but I was so surprised to see you there. I was excited, I've been a fan of yours for quite a while. You were so nice. I was a little star struck, but you were totally cool and posed for a couple of pictures with me. That really made my trip to California, I'm from Wichita, KS. I just wanted to say that I appreciate you being a nice guy and taking the time to meet your fans. That meant a lot to a huge MMA fan and huge Heath Herring fan. Thanks again. I joined your facebook fan site and put the pictures there. Take care and put some knees on Lesnar.
Tim Woodburn

Heath, (Steve), tough break @ 87, that was a big ass dude!...you kicked ass and we love you for it! Please come and visit my unit next year after May, 2009, the 704th BSB, 4IBCT, 4ID when we are in Jalalkot, Afghanistan. Go and get ready for your next UFC match, we will be waiting to watch! p.s. Loved you in PRIDE! you are a Warrior!
SFC Sylvester, Robert

Heath, I live in amarillo and have met a few people that either went to school with you or your brother. You put on a hell of a fight last night and think you deserve a lot of respect for it. You have a heart the size of texas and kept pushing. Hope to see you fight asap, take care and god bless.
manny

UFC 84

Mary Ann Amorose, USA. "I just want to let you know that my t-shirt order has arrived and I am delighted with it!

Vito, Winnipeg Canada. "Kick Kongo-Ass Heath! I bought 2 shirts one for me and one for Tami."

Hercules, Montreal Canada. "Bust him up and tear him appart. Love the shirt btw, fits perfect."

Paul, USA. "I just want to wish Heath the best of luck in his fight with Kongo. I have a lot of faith in Heath. Good luck from a big Heath Herring fan."

Andrew, USA. "Pumped about the upcoming fight man. Can't wait to see the new hair and I'm hoping to hear 'The Good, The Bad, The Ugly' theme."

SUGAR SHANE, USA. "Yo Herring, cant wait for you to f&%k up Kongo & knock his ass out then hopefully you can get a title shot sometime this year go Herring."

Bert. USA. "I am pulling for you Heath! I cant wait until you show Congo what's up! A fan forever."

SSG Mark D P. "Been a fan of yours for years, ever since I saw your Shoot fights in Texas! I'm very happy to see how far up you have gone since then! I know you will be the UFC Heavyweight Champ some time soon, I'm glad you are fighting in the states now so we can watch you live! Thanks again for giving a shout out to all the service men and women, I have been in the Army for 6 years now, so it really means a lot having you say something! I'll officially go on your beer tour any day of the week! Love the new shirt, definitely putting it on order. Thanks!"

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