Gabe "Godzilla" Ruediger is a tough as nails fighter who can be seen on The Ultimate Fighter Season 5 on Spike TV. While his specialty is Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he is very well rounded and has proven that by capturing the WEC lightweight belt three times. Having already fought once in the UFC, this lightweight is ready to take on all comers, with his Luchador mask on.
Joshua Borell: Let's begin with the mask, it makes you stand out, and has become your trademark. Before you appeared on UFC, die hard MMA fans knew you as "the guy in the mask." Why did you start doing it, and what made you continue?
Gabe Ruediger: Exactly for that reason! You need to stand out and you have to put on a show prior to the fight. It just worked. I’ve collected masks of different cultural origins since I was 14. The Luchador mask just worked out and is WAY more comfortable than an 8lb African right of passage mask.
Borell: You are a previous WEC lightweight 3x champion. Were you surprised when you got the call from UFC or were you expecting it?
Ruediger: No, I was surprised. I had gained a little name recognition and was actually talking to Pride and the new defunct WFA when UFC called my manager. I was just excited that all of these organizations were looking at me, and felt that I had reached that level. To be honest, it was never my intention to be fighting on that level. I was just enjoying the competition and the chance to test myself.
Borell: The UFC fight with Melvin Guillard didn't turn out exactly the way you wanted it to. In hindsight what would have done differently, both in training and in the octagon?
Ruediger: What do you mean; I had every intention of getting stopped by a body shot! No, in training, I would have done more body conditioning, and I would have been more serious about diet. I had to cut 22 pounds and it hurt my stamina. My technical training went great; I just didn’t execute AT ALL. I’ve never been so mentally distracted, first time in the UFC. It was very over whelming. The way I fought was almost the exact opposite of how I trained.
Borell: Has the UFC been in contact with you about a second fight?
Ruediger: I’m still on contract. I actually opted to do the Season 5 of The Ultimate Fighter. We did the show and now I get to sit and wait.
Borell: So its official, you are on The Ultimate Fighter season 5.What are your thoughts on the coaches BJ Penn and Jens Pulver?
Ruediger: They are both great guys. BJ has been a friend of mine for 10 yrs. Jens is a cool guy too. Both have different styles. I’m excited to watch them fight!
Borell: So is it safe to assume we can see your next live fight on the card of the Season 5 finale, in one way shape or form?
Ruediger: That could be a good assumption.
Borell: Anything you want readers to know about you?
Ruediger: I just really appreciate the support. I don’t think people really understand what gets put into the sport. There will be times that we falter, lose, and make mistakes, but that is also part of the game.
Borell: Do you have any last words?
Ruediger: Here we go! First off, those who support me in every way, my sponsors TAPOUT, SINISTER BRAND, FAIRTEX, ON THE MAT, FORTY THIEVES, INDECISION RECORDS. My website is www.gabegodzilla.com, I can also be found at www.myspace.com/gabegodzilla. I really like to interact with fans and anyone that has questions.
To email Joshua Borell, send to mmatorch_predictions@yahoo.com.
