UFC Fight Night: Christian Morecraft Says, 'I'm Going to Win in the First Round'

One of the most promising up-and-comers in the UFC’s heavyweight division, Christian Morecraft, will be looking to pick up his first Octagon victory against Sean McCorkle at UFC Fight Night in Seattle on March 26th.

Big, physical, and strong, with a habit of finishing fights early, Morecraft was undefeated with six victories before being stopped by Stefan Struve in his Octagon-debut at UFC 117.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Christian Morecraft.

What inspired you to get involved with mixed martial arts, Christian?

One day I got invited to a gym about three or four years ago, and I just kind of took it from there.

Did you ever think that you’d be able to make a living in the sport?

Not at the beginning. But as I kept rolling and kept getting wins and advancing in my game, it became noticed that I could make a living with it.

Did you ever think that you’d make it to the UFC so quickly?

No, actually I didn’t, it was quite a shock to me. It was definitely a step up in competition and in training, and it’s an incredible feeling.

Did you have a “welcome to the UFC moment”?

Yeah, when I got in the cage—that’s pretty much it. When I got in there, it hit me.

What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t a professional mixed martial artist?

I don’t know. I’d probably be lifting a lot of weights and working a nine-to-five job.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A variety of things; definitely professional wrestler was one of them when I was younger. I envied the Ultimate Warrior and the “Macho Man” Randy Savage, so I guess you could say that.

Did you have any other role models coming up?

I’ve always looked up to the men and women who support the country and put their lives on the line for us—my dad was one of them. So, I guess you could say the people in the Armed Forces.

Did you ever think about joining the military?

It crossed my mind, but once I got into MMA, I stuck with that.

What does being in the UFC mean to you?

Like I said, it’s an honour. It’s very inspiring and motivating and I hope to stay.  Despite my last loss, I hope to perform better and come out on top, so I can keep rolling with fights in the UFC.

How do you feel going into your fight against Sean McCorkle?

I feel great. I feel better than I did going into my last camp when my shoulder was separated really close to the fight; it came out of its socket. I’m not facing any serious injuries right now. I’ve been at this camp for three months now, just grinding away at it and I feel great. I can’t wait to get in there.

Do you feel that you’re improving every day?

Yes, I do. I feel that moving to the Bomb Squad was a very good move for me, as far as my game and every other aspect of MMA.

How does it feel to be fighting a fellow big-man like McCorkle?

It means nothing how big he is—he’s not too much bigger than me. I know I’m stronger than him, I’ve got definite one-ups on him and I’m just going to have to reveal that on March 26th.

Do you feel that McCorkle is your biggest challenge to date?

I like to look at every fight like that, you know what I mean? I’m just going to say, “Yeah”.

What is your mindset going to be going into the Octagon on March 26th?

Seek and destroy.

Do you have a prediction for how it’s going to end?

Yeah, I’m going to win in the first round. I’m going to knock him out.

Do you have anything that you’d like to say to McCorkle while you have this opportunity?

Be prepared for battle on March 26th.

With a win, where do you see yourself in the UFC’s heavyweight division?

Still climbing up the ladder.  It’s going to be a tough road with tough opponents, and I’ve just got to keep climbing the ladder.

What are your goals as a mixed martial artist?

To be dominant and to be No. 1; I think that is everyone’s goal. With that being said, you’ve got to climb the ladder.

What do you think the coming year holds for Christian Morecraft?

A lot of success and a lot of good times to be had, a lot of good tests and a lot of success for me.

Is there anything that you’d like to say to your fans while you have this opportunity?

Thanks for all the support and keep rooting for me, and I promise to make everyone happy.