MMA Worldwide

Chris Wilson Answers 19 Questions

Posted by Brett Atchley on the 3 September 2009 | No Comments

Chris Wilson is currently training for his upcoming bout with Xtreme Couture’s Mike Pyle in Brazil. He is referred to as “The Professor” large in part because he is proficient in six languages. Clearly intelligent and educated, he is a very tactical mixed martial athlete as well. He came on the professional scene in 2004 from the highly regarded Team Quest in Gresham, the former home base for Randy Couture, Matt Lindland, Ed Herman and Chris Leben. Like many others from that era, the majority of what Team Quest moved on for various reasons. Wilson remained up until 2 years ago where he returned to his native country of Brazil.

 

He has an impressive MMA record of 15-4 and has competed in all of the marquee MMA promotions. His most notable wins are over LaVern Clark, Jay Heiron, Rory Markham and Steve Bruno. He started to become known domestically as a team member for the IFL’s “ Wolfpack” under the tutelage of Matt Lindland. When the IFL closed its doors, the UFC quickly picked him up. Chris is talented and committed to the sport in its purity and believes in the core of its art. He is a huge proponent of children in the sport being brought up and along in the sport to understand that it is an art, lifestyle and huge responsibility. He represents the sport as he teaches and performs in it. He does lead by example.

 

 

MMA World Wide: Do you currently live in Brazil?

Chris Wilson: Yes I'm living in Rio de Janeiro.

MWW: Why is the primary reason you moved there?

CW:  We moved back to Brazil because we had been in the US for the last 7 years and it was time to come back and spend some time with the other side of the family. My wife's family is here and many of my childhood friends.
 
MWW: You live with your family?

CW: Yes, I live with my wife Luciana and my 2 children.

MWW:  Where and who do you train with there?
 

CW:  I train at the Nogueira Training Center here in Rio. I have the opportunity to train with lots of different people, some famous, some not so much. In any case, I have plenty of sparring partners and good coaches and friends.

MWW: What are your thoughts and reflection on UFC 102?
 
CW: I was disappointed to see my friends lose. That goes for Herman, Leben, and Maia. I like Nate too, but I've had more contact with Maia. Nogueira killed it though and that made my night. I like Randy but I train here at Nogueira's gym and was happy to see my teammate clearly dominate that fight.
 
MWW:  How the does the regard and interest in MMA reflect itself in Brazil as oppose to how it is domestically?
 
CW: Most Brazilians are familiar with the biggest names of our sport despite not following it in depth. I think it's more a lack of shows and television coverage though rather than a lack of interest. Brazilians in general are familiar with the sport. 
 
MWW: When can we expect to see you back in action again?

 

CW:  I'm scheduled to fight Mike Pyle in 2 weeks on Sept 16 in Oklahoma City.
 
MWW: When you're not preparing for a fight, what are your sources of relaxation?

CW: I enjoy spending time with the family traveling or going to the beach. We like to have cookouts and stuff. I love tennis and soccer too. I'm no pro but I do well in pickup games.

MWW: What does your diet consist of?

CW:  I can eat most anything I want since my metabolism is very fast. I just tighten down my diet a few weeks out from a fight.
 
MWW: What are some of the things you miss most in the U.S.?

CW: My friends and family, the smell of freshly mown grass and cheaper high quality products. 

MWW:  What are some of the things you appreciate in South America?

CW: The connections you make with people. Here, people are less individualistic and hypocritical. Everybody has less, so they value each other more. It's a simplistic way of putting it but that'll help you understand.

MWW: What is the best thing that has happened to you in life and how it has changed you?

 

CW: For sure my children are a high point. It's amazing to see life and personalities developing. It definitely changes your values and priorities. Also, I feel pretty blessed to have been raised internationally. It has given me friendships, opportunities and experiences many people will not have in a lifetime.

MWW: How much a part of your life consists of MMA?

CW: I spend most of my energy on it. The rest is for my family. So, it is a pretty big part. When I do stop fighting, I will stay involved in the sport.

MWW: Who are the people that you respect and who inspire you the most?

CW: I've grown to appreciate my father more and more. As a father, I have a whole new appreciation for the guy. Also, I can always look to the top fighters for inspiration regardless of who's there. The fact that they've achieved that much in the sport is very telling of them and shows a blueprint that has worked. You can learn something from each person who "makes it."

MWW: Did you ever think, thinking back that you would be at the level of the sport that you currently are?  

CW: I hoped for it. In fact I still hope for more. If I didn't, than fighting would seem pointless. I'm not in it to fight for fun for a few years and then keep going with a different profession. This is my business and I plan to make my way up as I would in any job at any company.

MWW: What does your family think of your participation and career choice in MMA?

CW: They are all very supportive. At first they couldn't believe I liked it so much but they always encouraged me.

MWW: What's your 5 year plan?

CW: To climb the welterweight ladder as high as I can. If possible I can work some of my career recognition into another business.

MWW: Any particular thoughts you would like to share on some of the developments or happenings in MMA these last few months?

 CW: Nothing specific comes to mind.

MWW: Parting comments?
 
CW: Thanks for the opportunity to speak. I hope you guys enjoy my fight. It will be exciting, I guarantee it.