PRE-FIGHT INTERVIEW: WAYLAND HUGHES JR.

NEW YORK CITY — Friday morning during the organized chaos of the weigh-in portion for Everest // NYC, I was able to track down the man who will be in the main event, defending his Heavyweight Championship in a rematch. Here is the transcript of my interview with the one and only, "Studded" Wayland Hughes Jr.

ISAAC COHEN

Ladies and gentlemen, with me right now is the undefeated, undisputed Everest MMA Heavyweight Champion, Wayland Hughes Jr. First off, Wayland, I have to ask, how does it feel to be the latest 9th World rep to win a title and join the company of the likes of Kennard Rozier and Asher Jrue?

WAYLAND HUGHES JR.

When you step into the 9th World gym two of the first people you're greeted by is Kennard and Asher. Those guys really laid down the foundation for us at The Wrld. We all thought Bellamy would be the next person to win a title here. He's one helluva fighter man, but when I won the belt and looked at the corner and saw coach trying to hide his face because he was tearing up….you get the sense that winning belts at The Wrld isn't the most important thing. We really are about the growth and seeing everyone who comes through those doors become the person they are supposed to be. Me winning this belt solidified my place in this sport. I was very honoured to bring it back to The Wrld.

ISAAC COHEN

Most of the fighters at 9th World give up a lot of weight, you included. Do you think that works in your favor especially in the heavyweight division?

WAYLAND HUGHES JR.

I think it depends on who you're fighting and what's the game plan for the night. Coaches do a good job of making sure we are in position to win fights. For me I wrestle a lot so in the end once I get you on your back and can see that I'm still able to out muscle someone bigger than me then it really doesn't matter. Being smaller though allows me to be quicker than most guys I'll fight. So they can be bigger but I'll just be a step quicker than you to the punch.

ISAAC COHEN

Most heavyweights in both Everest and Union GP are big power strikers, but you’re running on a 3 win streak, all by submission. Do you feel like a black sheep in the bunch?

WAYLAND HUGHES JR.

Most definitely. That was one of the biggest things Coach P talked to me about how I'm a different Heavyweight then the ones fighting today. I'm not as good with the hands like a lot these guys but they can't come close to my wrestling and ground game. And as long as I’m sticking to it I'm gonna be a problem for anybody I step into the cage with. It's no secret that The Wrld has been taking BJJ to the next level in combat sports. So it feels really good to be on this streak winning the way I am.

ISAAC COHEN

This will be the second time facing DeMarcus Gresham. What do you expect to see differently from him and have you worked on any new tricks to add to your arsenal?

WAYLAND HUGHES JR.

DeMarcus is a tough fighter and his Muay Thai is pretty good. For me it's all about making sure I get my hands on him first and staying active. The minute I stall or get too complacent DeMarcus will have his way with me. So really it's all about putting him on his back and keeping him there. In the first fight I think I did a good job of not letting him find that flow. I kept him guessing when I was gonna shoot for the takedown. This fight I'm just gonna bring it right to him out of the gate. Nobody wants to lose to anyone twice. Not even when you're sparring in the gym. So I have to be prepared to see an improved DeMarcus. Those Real Killas are no jokes and learn from mistakes quickly. Very great camp, but I've been working on a few things that I'm looking forward to show in the big apple.

ISAAC COHEN

You’re a native New Yorker, what’s it like to be in the main event in your home state?

WAYLAND HUGHES JR.

It's really a blessing Isaac. To have this title defense in New York is like a dream come true. You always wanna perform in front of your people. You know that these guys are gonna be cheering you on like no other. To let them down would be heartbreaking. It really would. I remember when i was an amateur and everyone was like yo Wayland you next up. They pushed me to do better and they are a big reason why I get to sit here as Everest Heavyweight Champion. I just can't let that rush get the best of me. I gotta make sure I stick to what I do best, but I'm willing to bet it's not going to be that easy knowing I'm fighting in front of my people.

ISAAC COHEN

How much longer do you plan to stay in eMMA before making the move to Union? You sit right at the cutoff between Heavyweight and Cruiserweight, any thoughts on which division you’ll eventually move to?

WAYLAND HUGHES JR.

I haven't really thought about it yet. I'm a day at a time type of guy. Right now it's all about defending this belt and possibly laying down the blueprint of what it takes to be in this position. Back at the gym there's been talks about having a couple more Everest fights but yeah, however things play out I'm ok with it. I just wanna fight man and continue to provide for my family. When the time is right I'll know. As far as division goes...that might be the tougher decision. I'm not too sure which one I'll be fighting in. It comes down to what the coaches think is best for me, but I think I can win in both.

ISAAC COHEN

Before I let you go, I’d like to give you the floor for any final words.

WAYLAND HUGHES JR.

I wanna say Happy Holidays to everyone watching this. Hey mom. Hey dad. What's up Clara? To everyone that has been supporting me thus far I wanna say thank you. It took me a while to become a pro so thank you all. To everyone back at The Wrld. I love you guys. I wouldn't be in this position without you. Cheers to everyone having a blessed day and I'll see you guys again very soon.

ISAAC COHEN

Thank you Wayland for your time. I'm sure every MMA fan will be watching the highly anticipated rematch between you and Boxing Heavyweight Champ DeMarcus Gresham. Good luck this weekend.