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MMATorch Interview: Tim Means on UFC 184 win, "Dirty Bird" nickname, Anderson Silva, and more
Mar 5, 2015 - 3:50:55 PM
MMATorch Interview: Tim Means on UFC 184 win, "Dirty Bird" nickname, Anderson Silva, and more
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By: Michael Bane, MMATorch Contributor

After a devastating finish of Dhiego Lima at UFC 184, UFC welterweight Tim Means spent some time answering some questions for MMATorch. Read below as "The Dirty Bird" discusses the Lima fight, his evolution as an MMA fighter, and his opinions on Anderson Silva and PEDs in MMA:

MICHAEL BANE: Congratulations on a dominating TKO victory against Dhiego Lima this weekend, as well as pocketing a "Performance of the Night" bonus. Obviously a potential bonus was something that was on your mind when you were interviewed by Joe Rogan.

TIM MEANS: Thank you! In my first stint with the UFC, I was in the wrong weight class and the wrong person had a hold of one side of the reins [regarding my career path and plan]! The thing I learned from Burt Watson is "The only dumb question is the question not asked!" I went and did my job so pay me! No disrespect to anyone, strictly business!

BANE: Did the fight play out much like you had expected? Was there a particular game plan you were looking to employ against Lima, or do you tend to rely more on instinct and flow of the fight when you're competing?

MEANS: Lima looked to be solid everywhere from the video I saw. I knew I had to get in his face and start quick and trust in my conditioning. When I was at 155, I had to pace myself. During my last two fights, I felt like that was in the back of my mind. I can still be calm in the pocket; I just have to pick up the volume of accurate strikes. No silly ass brawls, no game plan, just react.

BANE: The standing short/inside elbow is something that not enough fighters utilize. You used them pretty effectively against Lima. When did that particular technique start becoming part of your arsenal?

MEANS: I have had a few fights early in my career when I used my elbows and did a lot of damage in those fights. I had Pro ISKA Muay Thai fight where I realized I could sap guys with nice elbows. If you saw my first fight in Legacy against Pete Spratt, I utilized a big elbow to set up the finish there. I've been doing a lot of timing and placement drills with Tom Vaughn and John Judy and it's paying off.

BANE: You've put together a nice streak of three consecutive victories. Anyone in particular you'd like to fight next to continue to advance up the welterweight ladder?

MEANS: I am just trying to continue to learn man. Maybe a couple guys on the radar, but it is not my job to call out anyone. Tom Vaughn is doing a great job.

BANE: As a veteran of 30 fights now, you're in your second run with the UFC. What's the biggest difference you see when you're fighting for the UFC versus fighting for another organization?

MEANS: Fighting with the UFC is cool; nobody else is matching what they're paying, so I can't complain. At the same time, I feel like I am in the right place at the right time and there is a lot of money to be made. I have to show up, put my killer instinct on the table, and just react because all the homework is being done. I have 34 total fights including boxing and kickboxing. I feel good, have to keep working!

BANE: Is there any fight that stands out in your career as most memorable?

MEANS: My first King of the Cage title fight was against Bobby Green in his home town. Crowd was in to it, I was focused. Good back and forth fight!

BANE: Is there any particular fighter that inspired you to take up MMA, or someone that you tried to emulate as you developed your skills?

MEANS: I don't know about a particular fighter. I was inspired about the fact that you were by yourself, in there physically, and you have to sink or swim. Can you rise to the occasion?

BANE: What's the origin of your "Dirty Bird" nickname?

MEANS: Dirty Bird came from the time I had an amateur dye my hair. It was not the best of hairdos, lol! My teammate said I looked like a dirty bird and it stuck! Sherdog has a young and confused looking photo of me on my profile (laughs). Looking at that photo, I was out there man. It also shows me the hard work I have put in and where I am personally, having grown from a boy to a man.

BANE: What's the best piece of advice you could give to an aspiring MMA fighter?

MEANS: The best advice I could give an aspiring fighter is have a Plan B. Too many guys/girls doing this job right now, and over saturation is why pay is so low. But train when you're supposed to, you can't get anywhere without putting the time in the gym. Keep in mind it is hard to juggle a job and be a fighter. The job "fighter" does not always pay very well!

BANE: Rumor has it that Anderson Silva is set to admit PED use to help him recover from the broken leg he suffered. Does this potential admission surprise you? How did you react when you heard that Silva had tested positive for PEDs?

MEANS: I feel that Silva rehabbing his leg is the only reason he had it in his system! I don't believe he is a cheater, but he should have waited until it was completely out [of his system] before signing up for a fight date. Testing positive will always be a grey area in his career, and he deserves better than that. I loved watching his fights.

BANE: What do you think is an appropriate punishment for a fighter that gets caught using PEDs?

MEANS: If you're actually using PEDS to compete and you're caught, complete ban from sports. That would easily clean things up. The penalties are not harsh enough.

BANE: What is one thing you would change about MMA if you could?

MEANS: Fans need to change the mindset of when you lose, you're a bitch, but when you're winning you're the next big contender. There are harsh people out there. Guys/Gals bust their asses to put on shows so fans can watch. [It] takes a whole lot of balls to step into that cage!

BANE: Where you think you stand right now in the welterweight division, and where should I expect to find you at the end of 2015?

MEANS: I stand in the division where everyone better be looking over their shoulders. I am getting this stuff figured out and I am only going to keep working, one fight at a time. The end of 2015 is too far away to worry about!

The preceding interview was conducted via email on 3.3.15. Tim Means is currently an MMA fighter in the UFC's welterweight division. Michael Bane is an attorney and MMA enthusiast working out of Chicago, Illinois.


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