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BEAU BAKER
The Stepping Stone Ready to Become a Stumbling Block
©
Marc Wickert June 25, 2011 Special thanks to Eric Nicholl
On July 8, M-1 Challenge XXVI: Bennett vs. Garner will be coming LIVE on Showtime from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California. Germany’s lightweight sensation, Daniel Weichel, was originally slotted to face M-1 Lightweight Champion, Jose Figueroa, but an injury during training forced the champ out of the title match.
Stepping up to the plate to lock horns with Daniel Weichel (26-7) is former NCAA Division 1 collegiate wrestler, Beau Baker (8-4), who possesses a huge heart and a titanium jaw. Beau commenced wrestling at age 10, and was a two-time State High School Champion in the Volunteer State of Tennessee. Baker was keen to volunteer for this war with Weichel.
Possessing exceptional positioning and scrambling skills, Beau has been focusing on his BJJ abilities and intends upsetting the applecart on July 8. He gained a wealth of experience from his recent bout with Alexander Sarnavskiy, dusted himself off, and says he’s on the boil for a showdown with Daniel Weichel.
Knucklepit caught up with Beau a week prior to this highly anticipated battle. Daniel, how did you earn the nickname ‘Blackjack’? Well that's a very long story spanning nearly a decade that I'd hate to bore anybody with. The fat free version... The nickname started as a joke with my best friends on the wrestling team in college during my freshman year. It was spring break, Panama City I think, when I informed them I wanted them to start calling me Blackjack. They of course denied this request unless I met some requirements, something along the lines of wearing all black all the time, cutting all the sleeves off my shirts (including formal wear), a tattoo, and a few more designed to embarrass me in public. It was all very silly, but eventually the joke ended and the name stuck. The funny thing is, the first few years of my fight career I didn't use the nickname. I thought nicknames were cheesy and wouldn't last in the sport. When my friends found out I wasn't using the name when I fought, they were dumbfounded at the fact that I ended up in a profession that was nickname friendly and I'd had one for so long and didn't use it. They presented a convincing argument, so I reconsidered. Do you believe you’ve had enough time to prepare for this bout? Yes. Luckily I've been preparing some of my fighters at the gym for some fights, so I've been a sparring partner for a couple months. I knew M-1 would be calling, just didn't know when. So when I got the call I was feeling pretty good at the start of training camp. Were you on a standby list for M-1 Challenge XXVI, or did the invitation come out of the blue? I had heard they were doing a show in St. Louis at the end of May they wanted me to fight on, but that never panned out. So this show wasn't on my radar, but I was prepared for one to pop up.
I believe you attended the University of Tennessee. What did you study there? University of Tennessee Chattanooga. I started out in graphic design, then I jumped around mainly trying to stay eligible for wrestling. Could you tell us about your introduction to BJJ, please, Beau? Starting BJJ was like discovering wrestling all over again. I instantly fell in love and it really became an extension of my wrestling. I was able to apply all those years on the mat to something new and fresh, and it actually reversed the wear and tear that wrestling had taken on my body. I wish I'd have discovered it sooner... I'd be a Black Belt by now. You and your brother, Kyle, still instruct at the MMA Institute in Harrisonburg, Virginia (www.harrisonburgmma.com). Do the two of you specialize in MMA, or do you conduct other classes as well? I teach a little bit of everything, but mainly focus on preparing our fight team. Who are you training with for this upcoming bout, and what will each person’s role be in assisting you? My good friend Arvin Terrell has been sharpening my standup the last couple months. We've worked together for years, but he's really put some miles on his car to help me get ready for this fight, driving an hour, three to four days a week, which has been a huge help. My brother of course. And all the guys at the gym have come together to get me ready: One night this past week I had eight guys rotating in on me every round. It's been fantastic. Daniel told M-1: “Step by step; it doesn’t matter who I have to go through to win M-1’s lightweight belt.” Do you believe he could be seeing you as a stepping stone and underestimating you? I hope so. I've disappointed a number of guys who looked past me over the years and I continue to disappoint opponents who do. It's important to think big picture, but not as important as properly preparing for every opponent. What will Daniel Weichel’s strategy be? Probably be aggressive and push the pace. That's what I would do, and from the footage of Daniel I've seen there are some similarities in our styles. What do you see your strengths being against Daniel? I always feel like I have an advantage in the clinch, and scrabbling for position has been a strength of mine from day one. You both possess excellent leg submissions. Could fans see a battle of the leg locks on July 8? I'd say there's a very good chance of that. If this fight goes your way, will you be a contender for the M-1 belt. That's what I've been told, but a lot can happen from fight to fight. I'm just happy to have the opportunity to be in the mix. Your sponsors? First and foremost, Kimurawear. We hooked up after my pro debut and have been together ever since. Their gear and apparel blows me away every time they send me stuff, and I'm very proud to be associated with them. Boom Superfoods "FoodFight", which is honestly the best supplement I've ever put in my body. Beau, is there anything you’d like to add? Can't wait for my first West Coast fight, and I hope all my friends, family and fans get a chance to watch the event on Showtime! Thank you very much for your time, Beau. Thank you, Marc.
For more on Beau ‘Blackjack’ Baker: www.m-1global.com. For Knucklepit’s interview with Daniel Weichel: http://www.knucklepit.com/mixed-martial-arts-daniel_weichel.htm. Tickets to July 8’s M-1 Challenge XXVI: Bennett vs. Garner can be purchased at www.fightcluboc.com or call Roy Englebrecht Promotions on (949) 760 3131.
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