Interview with UFC’s TUF 11 Cast Member Clayton McKinney

We had the pleasure to sit down with Clayton McKinney from TUF 11 and ask him some questions. Here is our interview with Clayton.

Fight Trader:  It seemed like this is the first season where guys came in and made weight without any problems.  Did TUF tell you guys you were fighting, or did guys just figure it was possible? 

Clayton McKinney:  I think most guys just knew from the past seasons.  Personally I know I just wanted to be ready.

Fight Trader: Did you have a hunch you would be fighting your friend?

Clayton McKinney: I didn’t think about it at all, but I was kinda shocked.  As they were calling guys names and making the matchups I thought I might fight Hammertree.

Fight Trader: Between fighting your friend, not having all the audience and lights, and not having your usual corner, were you able to get into the right mindset, or did it have a sparring session feel to it? 

Clayton McKinney: The whole scenario is awkward.  I mean like you said, there are no lights or fans, just a production crew and the fighters.  However, it is the biggest fight of your life, so you can get up for it.  And really, I approach every fight like sparring accept I’m punching harder, so that was not an issue.

Fight Trader: After your fight did you feel any guilt or remorse about beating your buddy?

Clayton McKinney: No remorse, just excitement.  I did feel a little bad about breaking his nose like that.  I wished I could have just knocked him out cold with a shot to the chin or something.

Fight Trader: Did you have any concerns about moving into the house in terms of being away from home or not getting along with guys or anything else?

Clayton McKinney: Maybe before my fight, but once I got in it all went away.  I was just excited to get the win and the opportunity.

Fight Trader: Whose team did you want to be on?  Chuck’s or Tito’s?

Clayton McKinney: Haha.  I’m gonna tell you what I’ve told everyone, and it’s the truth:  I honestly didn’t care.  They are both great coaches and fighters.  I just didn’t want to be the last pick.

Fight Trader: What made you want to be a fighter?

Clayton McKinney: I’ve just always loved to fight.  Just at parties and stuff as a kid I was always getting into scraps.  I was pretty good at it, so about 4 years ago I just decided to learn how to do it right and see just how good I could be.

Fight Trader: How has your life changed since being in the house?  Are you a more popular guy?  How about with the ladies?

Clayton McKinney: Yeah it’s been a little crazy for sure.  I mean there are a lot of people who want to try to be your friend, but I know who my true friends are, and they are the ones that matter.  As far as the ladies go, uh, I can’t disclose that information. 

By: Ryan Knowles
Ryan Knowles Fighter Profile
Ryan is a fighter himself as he is a 6-1 amateur heavy weight fighter. Ryan is a part of the Team Immortal organization (Immortal Apparel Website) that has some of the best and brightest amateur MMA fighters in the Chicago land area.