Interview with Professional MMA Fighter AL "Mr. Big" Buck Interviewed by Ben Tatar of CriticalBench.com - May 2008
CRITICAL BENCH: Critical Bench is here with professional MMA fighter Al (Mr.Big) Buck. Al, it is an honor to dominate one of the upcoming stars at the PRO level in MMA fighting. Al, tell Critical Bench readers about yourself!
Al Buck: My name is Al (Mr.Big) Buck I'm a professional MMA fighter that has been competing off and on since 1996. My pro record is 9-7 and I have been a champion in 2 different organizations. Im also the co-owner of Evo Fight Club located in Vineland N.j you can also check-out evofightclub. com for more info. Im married with three beautiful children
CRITICAL BENCH: Al, what a resume. Champion in two different organizations, married, kids, and a winning record against the best of the best! You have it going on!! Al, when did you get started in the MMA?
Al Buck: I got started in 1994-1995.
CRITICAL BENCH: What a last 14 years at the elite level it's been! Tell us about your fighting background before you were a pro MMA fighter!
Al Buck: I competed in Judo from 12yrs and on. I also started boxing around the age of 16yrs, because of my surroundings unfortunately I was street fighting before both!!!
CRITICAL BENCH: As a fighter, what do you think about before each fight and also during? Do you have a fighting philosophy that works for you?
Al Buck: I think about feeding my family, and giving an electric performance.
Chin down hands up and knock the SH*T out of them.
CRITICAL BENCH: You have some insane knockouts in this sport! Do you usually like to tell people about all the crazy knockouts that you have accomplished in this sport?
Al Buck: I'm usually not the one to tell the story, I just do what I do the best way I know how, and then listen to everyone else tell the stories.
CRITICAL BENCH: Hahaha, that is true. You're the real deal and people definitely do talk about your fights! What has been your most powerful and funniest moment in your fighting career?
Al Buck: I don't find any moments more powerful then others in good performances, only some weaker moments mentally and/or physically in a few of my losses. And most of my funny moments come in interviews, because I like to be a ham!!!
CRITICAL BENCH: LOL! Have there been any fighting moments that have changed you?
Al Buck: Every fight changes you a little bit each time and times have changed me the most. With age comes some good and bad things and in learning how to treat my body I have realized that I can fight for a long time to come.
CRITICAL BENCH: Overall do you consider yourself a good guy or a bad guy? How would you describe yourself?
Al Buck: I would like to think I pretty COOL, and I'm sure there are some that think I'm an ASS, but I think overall I'm pretty well liked and respected guy, not only in the MMA biz, but also in real life.
CRITICAL BENCH: A lot of people would like to be more hardcore and gutsy like you. What is your advice for the sissies of the world and how to make fearful people brave?
Al Buck: Keep being a sissy and make the brave choice in life to stick with school and go to college, and become a success through a different path then the one I took, because this shit sure doesn't pay my bills. (Just Kidding) quit being a sissy and go for what makes you happy.
CRITICAL BENCH: Haha, you're funny! Tell us about some of the things you have done in fighting that you are proud of?
Al Buck: Overall Im proud of the whole experience. One single fight whether I won a belt or lost the belt wouldn't of happened without the rest of the fights. Im proud of all the people that are proud of me.
CRITICAL BENCH: Good answer. Tell us about your workout routine, diet, and supplements? How should one train to be a fighter?
Al Buck: I have just recently went supplement FREE.. and started getting all my proteins and vitamins from the food that I eat only! I'm moving up a weight class and feeling a lot better. I get up every morning and do high rep lifting excising on Mon,Wed, and Fri. On Tues and Thrus morning I do and extreme stretch and flexibility routine. Tues and Thrus night and Sat mornings I do 2.5hrs of evofightclub training.
CRITICAL BENCH: What are the benefits and worst things about being a fighter?
Al Buck: The best thing is popularity, I dig people digging me... The worst thing is I don't get paid enough for what I do. Everything else I would do anyway just because I LOVE IT.
CRITICAL BENCH: Just a silly question.. How much do you bench press?
Al Buck: I been known to do 330lbs a couple of years back, but I rarely train for heavy press anymore, and I think I'm around 265lbs
CRITICAL BENCH: That is very strong! That is twice your body weight! What is the best advice you were ever told and what was the worst?
Al Buck: Best advice was to listen and then the worst advice was to listen.
CRITICAL BENCH: Hahaha. Classic answer! That's quit the inspirational quote! I never heard that one before! Beautiful! What injuries have you had to experience and what adversities have you had to overcome?
Al Buck: In training for every fight injuries happen. I have had badly injured hand and wrist, ribs, foot, knee, and shins throughout fight training, and I still did the fight, I guess it's what you want more. The only advice I can give is the same me and my trainer say " Suck it up sissy"
CRITICAL BENCH: What are your future goals?
Al Buck: To be the best in what I do
CRITICAL BENCH: What are your five favorite weapons when it comes to fighting?
Al Buck: Cardio condition, wisdom, mental strength, grit, and a good left hook don't hurt
CRITICAL BENCH: How do you see the future of MMA?
Al Buck: Biggest thing on the planet!!!
CRITICAL BENCH: What is your favorite things to do away from fighting?
Al Buck: Spending time with my family and friends!
CRITICAL BENCH: Do you have any sponsors?
Al Buck: Not right now, ANYONE INTERESTED?
CRITICAL BENCH: What does your family think about you fighting?
Al Buck: They are cool with it
CRITICAL BENCH: What is your advice for someone who would like to be a fighter?
Al Buck: If its truly what you want GO FOR IT WITH ALL YOU HEART NO Bs and move slow until the time is right
CRITICAL BENCH: It has been an honor interviewing you today!! Keep on destroying your opponents and we at Critical Bench wish you the best with everything. In closing is there anyone who you would like to thank?
Al Buck: I want to thank Critical Bench for giving me this interview and everyone else who has read this Thanks and God Bless
Al Buck: Overall Im proud of the whole experience. One single fight whether I won a belt or lost the belt wouldn't of happened without the rest of the fights. Im proud of all the people that are proud of me.
