MMA Ironman #1: Travis Fulton - 12/19/2003
by Derek Callahan

Travis Fulton is recognized throughout the world of mixed martial arts at the Ironman of MMA. Its one thing to have been voted to the #1 spot on MMAs Top-5 American Ironmen list by the fans, but its another thing entirely when some of the other fighters on the same list place Travis at #1. Travis Fulton initially shunned the Ironman title when Eddie Goldman gave it to him back in 1998. But hey, if the shoe fits

Inside Fighting: It fits that you're in the Ironman feature because you're MMA's original Ironman. How'd your fight career come to pass?
Travis Fulton: I watched the movie Bloodsport religiously because I believed that that tournament actually existed and I planned on fighting in it someday. Well, then I saw UFC 3 on pay- per-view and I said I could do this shit. I entered Toughman competitions and made all of my buddies fight me. Finally I ran across a fighter named Dennis Reed that said he was fighting in that stuff. He told me that Monte Cox was the promoter and
the rest is history.

IF: It was supposedly a true story, maybe you'll get your shot at the kumite, who knows?
TF: From what I understand the entire movie was a lie and Frank Dux is a liar. He made everything up. Zane Frazier knows Frank Dux very well and can verify everything.

IF: Okay, well in the fight world there's experienced, and then there's Travis Fulton. What's your official record? Also, is it even a rush of nerves to step into the ring anymore, what emotions are there before a fight, and how have those changed over the course of your career?
TF: Well I think I'm more nervous now than ever because every time I step in the ring Im usually a stepping stone for somebody, plus I know that Im not in shape. There was a period from 1997 to 1999 where I couldnt sleep at night because I knew I had to fight that weekend. I was like a kid the night before Christmas. I couldnt wait. Now, a lot of times Id rather not step into the ring. As far as my record goes, right now officially Im:

# 136-34-8 in Ultimate Fighting
# 2-3-1 in Pancrase style matches
# 6-3 in pro boxing
# 5-0 in pro kickboxing
# 38-3-6 in sanctioned submission matches (not gym matches)

IF: How does it make you feel, considering yourself a stepping stone for someone?
TF: Definitely dont like it and I will never be an easy win for anyone.

IF: Fighting so often, do you ever forget you have a fight? Not know who an opponent is or how he fights?
TF: I never forget that I have a fight. But often I know nothing about my opponent, which sucks. But what are you gonna do?

IF: When a fighter loses it's an obvious setback, and fighting so much you've had many losses. However, being such an MMA mainstay with such an inflated record, does a loss - and on the flip side, does a win - have less meaning than before? After all, you know that somewhere there will be a bout for you regardless?
TF: Well if MMA has taught me anything it is that you are only as good as your last fight. If I beat Randy Couture tomorrow, Im the greatest fighter in the world. My past losses mean nothing. Another aspect that keeps me going is that Ive only lost 2 fights in a row once in my career. I also haven't been finished since January of 2001, which may mean nothing because its only 3 years, but Ive had 70 matches since then. Ive been stopped because of a cut, had the towel thrown in, and been injured twice since then, but I havent had to tap out due to a technique of any sort.

IF: You've fought in all kinds of shows. Let's keep it simple and say big and small ones. Which do you prefer? What's been your favorite show?
TF: UFC has by far been my favorite just because it was so big and fun. There have been lots of little ones too. The old IFC fights like Battle at Four Bears, and the
Montreal events were tons of fun too.

IF: How do you keep such an incredible pace? 25 fights this year! That's more than most guys have in their careers.
TF: I usually dont get hurt. Ive fought injured plenty of times, but I still fight.

IF: Why do you keep said pace? Do you ever consider slowing down, why or why not?
TF: I plan on slowing down, but right now Im just having some fun. I have been training pretty hard lately and people will see a new Travis Fulton next year.

IF: Of the dozens of opponents you've squared off with, who stands out as the toughest, and/or most memorable?
TF: Ive fought so many tough guys its hard to begin. A lot of times a guy was tough but I could have beaten him if I were in shape. Id have to say throughout my career the strongest and toughest guys would be: Dan Severn the 1st time I fought him in 1998. Evan Tanner was pretty tough. Harout Terzyan was also a strong, tough guy. All of the other bigger name fighters that I have fought I feel I could have done better with if I had
been in shape for the fight.

IF: How do you revitalize yourself when there's not much time in between bouts? Is there a difference in your recuperating methods from fight to fight, how does it change or stay the same?
TF: I guess I put the fight in the back of my mind and wait for the next one. Im usually not nervous until its time for the event to start - then it sets in.

IF: Have you ever considered the possible long-term health detriments that can come form fighting too much too often? What kind of precautions do you take for your well being?
TF: Well I have fought in over 200 fights in mixed styles and Ive taken plenty of shots to the head. It drives me crazy when a question of who has the best chin comes up. Rarely does my name even get mentioned. Ive never been KOd. Ive only been knocked down
twice. I lost by a KO in a boxing match, but it was a body shot that I went down to. So in short I havent noticed any real problems. Nothing aches and Im not retarded or anything.

IF: What's the worst injury you've fought on with?
TF: I broke my hand in a fight 6 days before UFC 23 and had to pull out. I fought with a broken hand the entire year of 2000 and half of 2001.

IF: What would you recommend to someone who wants to be as prolific as you?
TF: Well you can teach anybody techniques and what they need to know to survive a fight, but you cant teach anybody to fight. You are born with that instinct. Im not dumb enough to get choked unconscious or get my arm broke by a submission, but I do know how to survive. Ive been doing it for years - fighting the best-trained and toughest fighters in the world and giving all of them hell. Im not an easy win for anybody. If you want to follow in my footsteps you have to be tough like that.

IF: How's your training modified to not burn out with such a gauntlet of bouts?
TF: NOPE

IF: We all know why you're the Ironman, but how'd you get the name, who gave it to you?
TF: Eddie Goldman gave me the name in 1998 because I fought all of the time. I prefer The Impaler, but oh well.

IF: Are you based in Iowa still? If so, have you ever considered training with the Miletich guys? They admire work ethic.
TF: Still in Iowa, but not training with Miletich's anymore. I know what I need to know to be the best fighter in the world, now it is just a matter of getting in shape.

IF: How do you plan on breaking back into the UFC?
TF: Getting in shape and getting a few decent wins and you will see me back.

IF: What can fans expect from Travis Fulton in the future?
TF: A leaner 205 lbs Fulton. No BS this time.

IF: If there's one thing you've learned from your career, what would it be?
TF: Lots of people are shady, and the higher your star rises the more people will try and shoot it down.

IF: Do you remember all of your fights? Which ones were the most memorable, and of course, why?
TF: Of course I remember them all. The most memorable ones have been in order Dennis Reed(EC 7), Sam Adkins, Kawika Pa'alhui, Pete Williams, and Christophe Midoux.

IF: Fighting so much, the possibility of having some serious demons increases, how do you deal with 'demons' that come from dissatisfaction, loss, etc?
TF: Im constantly dissatisfied. I have a bitch for a girlfriend who brings me down and constantly insults me. I think hope keeps me going. Hope to one day kick the bitch to the curb and train the way I should and be one of the best again.

IF: Finally, please describe an average say, two months for the busiest fighter in MMA?
TF: Hmmmm, get yelled at because I want to train, go fight, win or lose, but not be happy because I wasnt in shape, come home get yelled at some more go fight, win or lose, but not be happy because I wasnt in shape, repeat.

IF: Why not do exactly what you said: kick the her to the curb, surround yourself with other great fighters, and take X amount of time to turn yourself into Ivan Drago? Even if the time training gives you financial hits, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow would compensate. You're obviously confident, and if you didn't have the skills to do it you wouldn't have had 184 MMA/Pancrase bouts.
TF: I am starting to get into that mindset and get my fighting career back on the right track. I just have to make training habit again.

IF: If you feel nervous and dissatisfied, why do you keep fighting on?
TF: I still love the sport. I will always love this sport.

IF: Is there anything else you'd like to say, any plugs?
TF: God blesses all of us with talents when we come into this world. You never know how talented you are at something until youve tried it. One thing though is that God isnt going to hold our hands and help us achieve greatness with our talents. That is our
lesson to learn and responsibility in life.

We would like to congratulate Travis Fulton on being voted MMAs top American Ironman and wish him continued health and success throughout his career.

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