Undefeated Zack Micklewright Ready for a War at WEC 50

“To work hard is what is expected, to train like a madman is to exceed all limitations!”—Brands Brothers

Training out of the Miletich Fighting Systems, is the young and undefeated (10-0) MMA fighter by the name of Zack Micklewright.

Micklewright is currently scheduled to take on Bart Palaszewski at WEC 50 on August 18th, in a bout that was originally scheduled for the preliminaries, but recently got moved up to the televised main card.

This is my interview.

Please enjoy.

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James Ryan: Hi Zack.

Zack Micklewright: Hey there, James.

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James Ryan: Thanks for agreeing to this interview. Are you ready?

Zack Micklewright: No problem, and yes.

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James Ryan: Cool, here we go.

How did you get involved with mixed martial arts?

Zack Micklewright: I was always interested in MMA when I was growing up. I watched it all the time in high school and stuff.

They started a weekly show here in Davenport, Iowa, at a local gentlemen’s club and one day I went with some friends to check it out. Well, after some discussion between my friends and I ended up signing up and fighting their ‘featured fighter,’ even though I had zero training whatsoever in MMA.

I ended up doing pretty decent, but lost a close decision. After that I was hooked.

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James Ryan: A gentlemen’s club, eh? [Laughs] Sounds like a pretty interesting way to get started.

So, when you say that you grew up ‘interested in MMA,’ did you ever compete in any combative sports as a kid, such as karate, boxing, wrestling, etc.? Or does your toughness and fighting spirit simply come from having older brothers? [Laughs]

Zack Micklewright: No, I didn’t really compete in any fighting sports. I always tried to convince my parents to let me do karate, but we didn’t exactly have the money back then.

I wrestled in seventh and eighth grade, but halfway through the eighth grade season, everyone caught ringworm and that made me lose interest really quick. [Laughs]

And yes, my older brother did beat on me a lot [Laughs] and ya, it did make me a lot tougher. He hates admitting that I can kick his butt now though! [Laughs]

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James Ryan: [Laughs] Nice. I was checking out your Facebook and obviously noticed that you were in the Marines at one time.

How has your experience in the military helped to prepare you for life as a fighter—or just life in general?

Zack Micklewright: I think that the military helped me a lot in life.

It helped me grow up and taught me that I had to take life very seriously. I think it was the right step after high school for me. Some people like to go to College, but I never liked books or school. Plus, I’ve had some of the best experiences being in the military.

I made some of the best friends that I’ve had because of it. I got to travel the world and be a part of the war in Iraq.

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James Ryan: Well, that’s certainly one way to learn responsibility—definitely not the easiest way.

What was your reaction when you found out that your upcoming fight at WEC 50 against Bart Palaszewski had been promoted to the televised main card?

Do you think that there will be any added pressure on you to perform, or have you been ready and waiting for this moment?

Zack Micklewright: I thought it was awesome! But no—no added pressure.

The cameras were going to be in my face regardless, so it being on TV basically just means that all my friends can watch without having to buy a ticket to go to Vegas.

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James Ryan: Fair enough. [Laughs] What do you know about your opponent and how do you think that you will match up against him?

Zack Micklewright: I think that we match up well together. He likes to stand and bang and so do I.

He comes in with a lot of experience and he also has good jiu jitsu. I think we’re just going to meet in the middle though and trade until one of us falls. But I’m ready no matter where the fight goes. It’s going to be an absolute war and I’m going to come out the victor.

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James Ryan: You were originally scheduled to fight Alex Karalexis at WEC 48, but you had to withdraw due to a broken ankle. How did that happen and how is it feeling now?

Zack Micklewright: [Laughs] Funny story actually.

I was hanging out with some of my friends and my cousin who had just gotten back from ship in the Navy. We had a couple of drinks and were going to meet some other friends at another bar. I was running to the car and I stopped and did a little dance—just messin’ around and acting like a fool, and I slipped on some ice and busted my ass! [Laughs]

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James Ryan: [Laughs] Wow!

Zack Micklewright: As soon as I fell I knew something bad had happened.

So I had my friend help me up and we went straight to the hospital. I ended up with a small break in my fibula, so they posted me up in a cast for six weeks. I had to really to baby my ankle for another couple weeks after that, but now it feels like nothing ever happened. I’m completely 100-percent and ready to rock on August 18th!

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James Ryan: Awesome! Just curious, what was your favourite sport to play as a kid?

Zack Micklewright: I really liked baseball when I was between eight and 12. Then I turned into a skateboarder kid. I liked baseball because all of my friends did it, and I was actually pretty decent at it.

Skateboarding though, I picked up from my older brother and it was just fun as hell. I tried buying a skateboard
a while back but I just can’t shred like I used to! [Laughs]

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James Ryan: [Laughs] I also used to skateboard when I was younger and it really is an under-rated sport as far as athleticism is concerned. Anyone who has ever tried it knows how difficult it is. It’s definitely not easy.

Okay, this final question is a true test of your character to see how honest of a person you really are. Ready?

Zack Micklewright: Ready.

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James Ryan: What’s the biggest fish that you have ever caught? I may need to speak with witnesses by the way. [Laughs]

Zack Micklewright: [Laughs] Well, I’m not sure how much they weighed…but I’ve caught some big ‘ole
suckers! I have some pictures on my Facebook that you can check out.

I’d say I’m a pretty fantastic angler! [Laughs]

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James Ryan: Sure, sure. [Laughs] Any special thanks or mentions?

Zack Micklewright: Absolutely! I would like to thank Mickey, my manger from KO Dynasty.

Also, my sponsors—BodybagMMA, Heavy Hands Knockout Wear, Eriksen Chevrolet in Milan, Illinois, and Bodywise International.

Also would like to thank all of my friends and family for supporting me, and all of my teammates that helped me train for this fight.

And thank you, James.

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James Ryan: The pleasure was all mine, Zack. Best of luck on August 18th.

Zack Micklewright: Thanks.

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This is my interview. If you don’t like it…I have others. Please check them out at www.mrjamesryan.com