Pat Miletich Interview
 
(from Sportfighting )

 
Why did you start martial arts training?

Pat Miletich: I got into MMA training because I needed a challenge in life. Life was boring to me and I needed something to live for. Something to fight for (no pun intended). I started fighting in MMA at age 26.

How did your first MMA fight come about?

Pat Miletich: A friend from Chicago who reffed my kickboxing matches got me into a Renzo Gracie seminar. I trained in ju-jitsu for a year, my friend then got me into the "Battle of the masters" tournament in Chicago. 

How did you feel before your first fight ,mentally, and how has that changed with experience?

Pat Miletich: I was scared of the unknown. I’m more relaxed now.

Do you have any pre fight rituals?

Pat Miletich: I say a prayer that God will give me the strength to fight my best.

Who has been your toughest opponent and why?

Pat Miletich: Matt Hume- because he’s a very smart fighter, great technique and quick.

How do you relax/ chill out when you are not in training for a fight?

Pat Miletich: I like to golf and fish to relax.

When you are at your level as a fighter what becomes your greatest teacher? i.e. tapes, seminars, experiments in the gym….?

Pat Miletich: Having tough training partners and an open mind.

What, in your opinion, is the single most important characteristic / skill a fighter can have i.e cardio, strength, mental attitude…?

Pat Miletich: Determination.

Anyone in particular you would like to fight and why? (I think I know the answer to this one )

Pat Miletich: Carlos Newton, we all know that answer.

If you could train with anybody in the world who would you choose?

Pat Miletich: Roy Jones.

If you could hang out with/ have a conversation with anybody, dead/alive, who would you choose?

Pat Miletich: My uncle, John ‘Miller’ Miletich. 1932 Olympic boxer. He beat Joe Louis, knocked him down 7 times in 3 rounds in the Olympic trials. He also fought two times for the world light heavyweight title against Maxie Rosenbloom, L decision and a draw. The crowd hissed both times, they thought my uncle had won. 

If you could change anything about the martial arts community, for example the media, more $$ for fights or UG critics etc. What would you change?

Pat Miletich: The traditional MA wake up and accept that this is the highest level of martial arts and not hide behind their black belts. I have a third degree black belt in Shorei ryu karate, and I have never used those techniques when I fight. 

What do you think are your greatest assets as a fighter?

Pat Miletich: That I accomplish the goals I set out for myself and most of all turned my life around.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Pat Miletich: OLD WAR HORSE.

What is the worst MMA injury you have ever had?

Pat Miletich: Torn rotator cuff, torn ligament in my knee, back injury that were all serious. They were all caused in training and not in an actual fight.