NEW – Rampage & Tiki Unchained – The exlusive interview!
T*U-
Why did you pick Tiki as your assistant Coach?
Rampage-
I chose Tiki cause he is a good fight coach and he’s not all drama and too serious. He is a excellent sparring partner and knows the fight game, but most importantly he has had his ups and downs and that really builds the character of a fighter, coach, and friend. He knows how to train and while training with him it was always hard to hold him down. He is really good at getting up off his back and has tons of skill. Last, but not least he’s a funny son of a bitch and if you know Rampage, he likes to laugh!
How’s living in Canada?
It’s cool doing this movie! It is fun, but lots of work. I am playing a character that i thought was the coolest man alive growing up. I used to walk around my house pretending I was B.A. Baracus, reciting his lines to my family and friends. It proves to me how good God is. I am actually wearing the costume right now! hahaha
Do you see yourself fighting anytime soon?
I’m not a psychic. I can’t say. I have other movie offers already and I really miss my kids, it’s a lot easier on your family doing movies then at a ten week fight camp. I really have to think things through. I’m not saying that I don’t want to fight well see what the future holds
Does Tiki’s beard grow like that?
Hell no, he has one Asian lady that drives a pink mini Cooper with no arms. She drives with one foot, and brakes and gases with the other foot! I scened it I scened it!.She comes over and she uses her mouth to put it on. She puts 2 cotton swabs in her mouth used crisco cooking, lights it on fire, and throws bleach in there and paints it on his face. She makes him arch his back (Face Down) like a cat as she does it.
TIKI Ghosn – Past, Present and Future…
Tiki Ghosn (born February 9, 1977) born in USA is a mixed martial arts fighter, competing in the Welterweight division. He is an experienced fighter, being a veteran of the UFC, Strikeforce and the WEC. He is also a training partner of Quinton Jackson former UFC champion. He is sometimes known as “one of the most talented fighters never to win in the Octagon”,[1] being most well known for his appearances in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, although he went 0-4 in the UFC. (Per Wikipedia)
T*U-
Wikipedia claims your “one of the most talented fighters never to win in the Octagon”, what do you think of that quote?
TIKi -
I had to work hard to get in the UFC, fighting in outside organizations and winning, then getting my chance. I had to fight against some really tough guys (Sean Sherk, Robbie Lawler, Chris Lytle and Bob Cook). None of these fights were consecutive, I only had one fight deals that were sprung on me last minute. Not trying to make excuses, but I have the reputation of taking short notice fights. Shit happens, I ended up losing all of my Zuffa fights but have one all my fights outside the Octacon! The Tiki Zuffa CURSE!!!!!!
The last two fights that you had were against home town heroes Luke Stewart (Strikeforce) and Brian Warren (Call to Arms.) From an outsiders prospective it seemed like they (the promotions) brought you in to lose to these fighters, but both times you won Unanimous decisions. Did you feel like they brought you in as the guy to get beat?
For the Strikeforce event I would imagine they did not want me to beat their undefeated, 170 lb rising star. Fortunately for me it worked out in my favor. I know this because this fight was supposed to be for theStrikeforce 170 lb title, but two weeks before the fight they changed it to a three round undercard fight and the winner would have the title shot. After I won, instead of giving me the title shot they immediately asked me to rematch Luke Stewart in thier very next promotion which was 2 months after. You decide. The Call to Arms fight, I felt that Brian Warren was from the I.E. (the area the fight was located) and had a big following. They wanted him to fight someone who had a name for the co-main event. That also worked out in my favor.
How did you become a part of Rampage’s team for the new T.U.F?
When Rampage’s camp for his Wanderlei fight started, he asked me to come to the UK and help him with his standup game. He needed a fast striker for sparring and someone to hold Thai pads for him, which extended into the Jardine fight. We have been friends, and training partners for many years. When Rampage found out that he would be the head coach on the Spike T.V. show, T.U.F. Season 10, he called me up and asked me to be his assistant coach. I replied go F yourself! Just Kidding! I said I would love to.
What was it like working with Dana White on the show?
It’s all business with Dana. That’s the genius behind the UFC, although we are friends he understands that the UFC is top priority and he treats everyone with respect as long as they respect him. That’s why the UFC is where it is at today. But he can be very tough at times, which makes everything interesting. We worked well together, Dana knows I am a huge practical joker and I am surprised I made it out alive with all the shit I did.
What kind of shit did you do?
Well, you will have to tune in to this seasons Ultimate Fighter! I will say one word, KFC hahahaha.
What was your opinion when you first saw the T.U.F. ten fighters?
I only recognized a couple faces, one being Scott Junk because I knew him and Wes Sims because he has been around forever. This was before Kimbo walked into the room. I don’t follow to many other fight organizations, except UFC and the old Pride and maybe some King of the Cage. I saw a bunch of giants, but wasn’t too sure what anyone there could do. I even overlooked Roy Nelson, I didn’t know who he was.
Has Kimbo met your expectations? What did you think of his training and his fight?
I was surprised to see how down to earth and humble he was by accepting the T.U.F. challenge. I think he has a lot of potential in this game, considering he has headlined two major Elite XC cards against seasoned vets and destroyed them both with very little knowledge of MMA. He is very athletic, strong, and willing to learn. He picked up a take down defense in one week and it came in handy for the short duration of his fight against Nelson.
Whats next for Tiki?
I would love to fight in the UFC again, but I will fight anywhere and anyone if everything lines up right. You can check my website www.TikiGhosn.com for updates on my fights and new things that Rampage and I are working on.
Thanks Ramapage & Tiki!
T*U
