SGPT Interview: Warren Thompson, Kickboxer And MMA Fighter

1) So tell us about yourself and your background.

I’m just country and enjoy a good fight every now and then. The training, the competition makes me feel alive. I was born and raised in the south and wouldn’t want it any other way. I love to be an underdog and thrive in that role.

I guess from a small child I was kinda bred to be a survivor. When you are forced to stand in the wind and rain enough you become weathered , scarred and strong. At 18 years old I told my mother I wanted to be a fighter. She laughed at me and told me to stay in school and find a job.

I still remember 4 years later calling her from a hotel room in Vegas telling her I was cast for the Ultimate fighter show. There have been huge setbacks along the way of course and I still haven’t achieved the success I think I can. I have beat some guys that are better than me and I have lost to a few I should have beaten. That doesn’t stop me from chasing my dream and enjoying the journey.

After all that’s the most important part is waking up with passion for life each and every day. If that’s one thing I can tell people is go after what you feel important. Don’t be a squirrel playing life safe and scavenging nuts.

2) When preparing for an upcoming fight how many days of strength and conditioning do you include in addition to your fight training?

I do a whole bunch of conditioning!!! I’d love to say I don’t run from anything but my fat butt is out hitting that road work daily. Along with having heart your lungs are your best fighting attribute. As far as strength goes I keep it to body weight exercises daily and kettlebells and dumbbell work twice a week.

3) What inspired you to get into fighting?

I was bullied pretty hard as a youngster. I was also lost without purpose as a very young adult. Fighting gave me an outlet, an education and eventually a job and a way to support myself while chasing a dream. What else could a man ask for?

4) So here at SGPT we always talk about mindset and how to maintain focus to overcome difficult times. What do you do to keep your mental focus on point?

I always tell myself my body is far more capable than my mind believes. That helps me a lot on my tough training days. I also look back and remember when I was the last one ever picked for tag or a team event. When nobody thought I could do anything. Now it’s a different story. I’m in the game because I take control and put myself there.

5) What sort of recovery strategies do you use to bounce back from a tough day’s training, or from a tough fight?

I’m big into ice baths when needed , a soak in the pool and just a whole rest day and allow myself the simple pleasures in life. Have a cold beer and some ice cream. Relax your mind then back to your craft in a day or two.

6) Do you have a favorite quote, or influence you like to pull from?

I have had many along the years. One I have drawn from recently is an old powerlifting legend Don Thompson. He coached me in high school a bit on the weights. Recently he posted on my Instagram account, “they don’t know where you came from” meaning they don’t know my struggle. From the bottom I came. A little chubby kid who never fit in to the man I am today. I took a lot away from him saying that.

7) Do you utilize kettlebells and functional movement in your strength and conditioning training?

I do and I consider them a valuable tool. I stick to kettlebells and bodyweight exercises most of the year actually.

8) Do you ever slow down for a break and if so what do you do reset the batteries?

Heck, a good weekend hunting and enjoying cold beer with family and my kids and wife go a long way. There has to be time set aside for the simple stuff in life before it passes you by.

9) What would you say are your biggest strengths and biggest weaknesses?

I’m stubborn and that can be very good and very bad. I’ll fight anyone and think I know the best way how. Sometimes my coaches would disagree with how that’s handled lol.

10) Are you preparing for a fight now?

I am always prepping for short notice fights. Nothing as of yet is signed but I’m in the talks with a few promotions for the fall.

Check out Warren’s Instagram account—war_the_destroyer, as well as catching him on Facebook.

Want more information about MMA and how to get in shape like Warren? Check out my website, Brandon Richey Fitness.

QUESTION: Coach, I’m upping my training for MMA and I’m trying to cut weight but I’m so freaking tired all the time. Can you help?

ANSWER: Make sure you’re paying attention to your recovery and your nutrition. If you’re training harder, you need to be eating and recovering to support that. Check out this article: Diet and Nutrition Important in Exercise Recovery with Boxing and MMA.

QUESTION: Hi. Thanks for all the great info. I have a question. The sides of my legs feel tight and achy, even though I think I’m stretching long enough after a workout. Do you have some tips?

ANSWER: Sounds like your IT band—which runs along the sides of your legs from your hips to your knees—needs some mobility work. Check out this article: IT Band Stretching and Recovery Tips.

RELATED ARTICLES