Tim Buchanan looks to win SCC heavyweight title fresh off dual silver medal win at No-Gi Worlds

HOUSTON, TX, November 8, 2012 – What has quickly become Galveston’s flagship amateur MMA event returns this Friday night with the Superior Combative Championship (SCC) taking place at the San Luis Convention Center right on Seawall Avenue on the island.

Also dubbed “Operation Island Takeover,” this event aims to raise funds benefitting the US Military and will also feature their very first title fight in the heavyweight division as undefeated Jeremy “Nightmare” Hardy takes on Zion MMA co-owner Tim Buchanan in a battle of big men that just may push the cage all the way to the boardwalk.

We recently caught up with Tim Buchanan fresh off his double silver medal finish at the 2012 No-Gi World Championship last weekend to talk about this Friday’s fight, MMA in general, and what this title fight means to him.

Interview – Tim Buchanan (Zion MMA / 4OZ Fight Club)

Tim, first of all tell us why you fight. What is it about this sport that draws you in?

I just have this drive to do the best I can at whatever I put my mind too. Its not the money because I don’t need it. I fight because its fun. I love the fans as well. To be honest man I have no clue why I am fighting other then I love the sport and challenge it brings.

Who are you outside of MMA?

I am a husband to a wonderful wife who puts up with all of my BS, and it’s a lot. <laughs> I am loving father to my 10 year old daughter. I am a project coordinator for a big engineering firm and pretty good at what I do. I pride myself on a hard work ethic. Outside of the gym and work I am a pretty laid back person who does not do a whole lot of partying anymore these days.

Now you’ve been around MMA for a few years now right? How do you approach training now?

I am relaxed and still learning everyday from some of the best guys in the game. Fighting is really just a extreme hobby for me that keeps me grounded and challenged at the same time.

What’s the hardest thing about being a fighter?

Training and being prepared to fight. I have never had a training camp for anyone I have ever fought. I am getting tested hard this camp. My biggest adversity has been my weight and cardio. I went from a 288lb fighter down to 246lbs and I’m in the best shape of my life. It’s easy to be fat and I love food. This takes a lot more work.

How’s that helped you improve your game?

My whole game has changed from my stand up to my BJJ and cardio etc. I am a whole different person. I started back in 2005 at Straight Blast Gym in Huntsville AL under my coach Harry Powel and I’m so far from where I was now. I am focusing on my all-around game and cardio since that has always been my main issue. I am working all of my stand up and MMA training at the best standup gym in Houston – 4oz Fight Club. I get pushed by Bob and the whole clan to limit every day. I train all of my ground game with one of the best BJJ gym in Houston – Zion MMA. Renan has take my game to another level too.

Let’s talk about your upcoming title fight at SCC. How do you feel about your matchup with Jeremy Hardy?

He is a 3-0 fighter and, even though he hopes to maintain that, I’m going to make sure I can beat him.Can you go harder than me? Can you push the pace harder than me? Is your heart bigger than mine? He’ll have to bring his best because I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

I am planning to push this fight and go hard all 3 rounds. I am preparing my cardio for that. I will be ready to take the fight anywhere it might go. My prediction is this fight is going to be hell all three rounds with me pushing the pace.

Any last words before this Friday night in Galeston?

I want to thank everyone at 4oz Fight Club and Zion MMA for pushing me. Bob, Jeremy, Renan etc. My wife for putting up with me training so much. I am reinventing myself so be prepared for a new person.