by Kris Bickham
As a part of the ongoing “A Fighter’s Perspective” series, NDBJJ/MMA fighter Kris Bickham interviewed Steven Peterson as he finishes his camp for the first defense of his XKO Bantamweight title.
1.) Your last fight ended with some controversy; in response, how do you see this opportunity to defend the title?
I see this title defense as an opportunity to shut up all the haters and show the world what I’m really made of.
2.) Tell us about your opponent, and what you know about him?
Alex Russ is a tough opponent, he has good wrestling and he’s very explosive, but he needs some work on his technical game.
3.) Your Muay Thai Instructor recently got promoted to the rank of Arjan; Do you feel that your standup has improved over the past several months?
My stand up is always improving and I’m glad I have a good Muay Thai instructor to take me to new levels.
4.) Coincidentally, your Jiu Jitu Instructor was just promoted under a very well respected Robson Moura, do you feel you are improving on the ground as well?
I am improving in all aspects of my fight game, and having high level coaches to teach me new things is a great way to stay ahead of the game and out-smart my opponent.
5.) Have you done anything differently for this fight ( that you would like to speak on) compared to your other fights?
I’ve done a few things differently to train for this fight. I’ve been working on my stand up a lot more then usual and my conditioning is better then it’s ever been.
6.) How do you see this fight playing out/ Do you see any tendencies in your opponents style?
I’ve noticed that he is more explosive then technical. He likes to swing wild and in doing so he will leave openings that I plan to expose and take advantage of.
7.) What do you feel your biggest strength is coming into this fight?
My biggest strength will be my heart and my will to win. I am a well rounded fighter and will be well prepared for any position we end up in.
8.) Pretty soon you’re going to become a father, how do you feel this will impact your career in mixed martial arts?
I feel that being a father can only make me better overall as a person and as a mixed martial artist. Now I have someone else to fight for, not just myself. It is a huge mental boost.
9.) Is there anyone you’d like to thank for this fight?
J.D. Shelley, Arjan Raymond Carlos Moreno, John Lawson, and Dave Masi. Plus All of my sparring partners. And my sponsors, Just break it, fear tapping out, NDMMA, Crossfit 380, Mr. Sweets, Granite Masters, and Jaco.
Kris Bickham has been a contributor to TXMMA.com since 2009. He is also a mixed martial arts fighter who is currently the XFC Welterweight title holder. In addition to writing and training in MMA, he is also an assistant instructor and purple belt under JD Shelley of NDMMA.
