Kuiper wants to impress UFC brass
Through three fights thus far in his UFC career, Dutch judo fighter Michael Kuiper has learned the hard way that competition inside the Octagon is much harder than anyone he could possibly face outside the promotion.
When Kuiper signed with the UFC he was an 11-0 prospect with ten of those victories coming by way of knockout or submission. Now entering his fourth fight with the UFC, Kuiper has tasted defeated two out of three times while trying to find his footing to get back on a win streak.
"I am always trying to evolve as both a fighter and martial artist. No better place to do this than the UFC, the best fighters are here," Kuiper told FOX Sports. "It has been a positive experience. I am a young fighter and am learning a lot and evolving at the biggest stage in the world. I fought some (tough) fighters and have learned from each experience."
While it's common for the UFC to give newcomers a little bit of time to get their feet wet and acclimate there's only so much margin for error and Kuiper is well aware of what it takes to stay alive and on the roster. UFC president Dana White has openly talked about the need to trim the amount of fighters the promotion has under contract, and Kuiper understands that in the Octagon it's kill or be killed, there may not be a tomorrow.
"The key is focus on what you can control and letting go of everything else," Kuiper said. "Believing in your training, staying focused and always be willing to learn new things from different people. It is a never ending journey and it is important to have a strong and focused mind."
Kuiper is excited to have his next fight take place in England, which is only a hop, skip and a jump away from Holland where he lives and trains. The rigors of jetlag and travel woes can wear on a fighter and Kuiper understands that all too well.
This time around, he's facing a British fighter in England, but getting the chance to fight close to home is a much bigger benefit than worrying about a judges' decision not going his way.
"It is very good to fight close to home," Kuiper said. "I don't have to worry about the jet lag or fighting in high altitude as I did in my UFC bout in Colorado. It is also convenient for my friends and family to travel. I am also excited to help expand MMA in Europe. I faced something similar when I had to fight for the UFC in Colorado. I fought Jared Hamman who was a hometown favorite. Despite getting booed, I felt energized and really motivated. I have been there before, and I know what it is like to not be welcome in an arena."
When it's all said and done, Kuiper has to put the crowd and the judges out of his mind and just go out and fight. He's not looking to get a win by any means necessary because even that attitude can land you on the wrong end of a pink slip if things eventually go the other way.
Kuiper wants to win, win exciting, and go home with the knowledge that he's coming back to the UFC in short order.
"It is always important to put on an impressive performance," Kuiper said. "We have to entertain the fans. If we win boring, the first loss we have can mean the end of our run in the UFC."
