Hello Mauro and thank you very much for your time. How old were you when you first started training martial arts?
I STARTED WITH MARTIAL ARTS AT THE AGE OF 6, AND WAS PRACTICATE JUDO UNTIL 14
What excited you about martial arts?
I’M ALWAYS EXCITED ON COMPETITION, I’M THE ONE WHO LIVES FROM ADRENALINE.
Why exactly did you choose MMA?
BECAUSE MMA IS A MIX OF ADRENALINE, TECHNICS AND RESPECT, WHICH I WAS ALWAYS SEARCHING FOR IN MARTIAL ARTS.
How old were you when you first stepped into the ring?
MY FIRST FIGHT IN RING WAS AT THE AGE OF 29, I STARTED TO COMPETE A LITTLE LATE.
You are an inspiration to many young people only starting out in martial arts. What’s your advice to all young fighters?
I BECOME INSPIRATED IN THIS SPORT BY FEDOR EMELIANENKO IN PRIDE TIMES AND BY CAIN VELASQUEZ IN UFC TIMES.
Which is the victory in your career that you treasure the most?
THE MOST IMPORTANT VICTORY WAS DEFENDING MY TITTLE AGAINST CARL MOORE IN 15 SECONDS ON CAGE WARRIORS, THAT VICTORY LAUNCH ME ON THE HIGH LEVEL COMPETITIONS.
In your opinion, what’s the secret of success in martial arts?
THE SECRET IS THE HARD WORK AND THE SPIRIT OF SACRIFICE. ONLY THERE WILL BE GREAT SUCCESSES.
Many people think that martial arts are not a sport at all, but just violence. What is your message to those people?
OUR IS THE MOST BEAUTIFULL AND TECHNICAL SPORT IN THE WORLD, THE THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T KNOW, THAT MMA ARE SPORT WITH THE MOST RULES AND FAR AWAY FROM VIOLENCE. IN THE CAGE IT IS ALWAYS A LOT OF PURE RESPECT.
How do you get a nickname THE HAMMER?
MY NICKNAME COMES OUT FROM MY JOB BEFORE I STARTED TO COMPETE IN MMA. I WORKED WITH METALS, AND MY FIRST FIGHTS WERE LIKE PLANTY OF HAMMER FISTS IN GROUND AND POUND.
What memories you have on Slovenia?
I AM VERY ATTACHED TO SLOVENIA, AS I HAD 2 FIGHTS THERE. I WAS VERY WELL RECEIVED AND I REMAINED ON GOOD TERMS. I LIKED SLOVENIA AND I HOPE TO BE BACK SOON.
Do you have next fight in ONE CHAMPIONSHIP and when?
AT THE MOMENT I DON’T HAVE A DATE YET, BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19 SITUATION. I REALLY HOPE TO GET A FIGHT UNTIL THE END OF THIS SUMMER.
Describe yourself in three words.
HEAD, HEART AND BALLS.
What is your opinion on referee trickeries and manipulations?
THE JUDGE IS A MAN OF KEY IMPORTANCE IN THIS SPORT. IT HAS NOT HAPPENED TO ME YET, AND I HOPE I WILL NEVER HAVE TO FIGHT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST A CONTROVERSIAL TRIAL. I BELIEVE THAT SOMETIMES OF INSIGHTNESS HAPPENS EVEN AS EVERYONE HAS HIS OWN VIEW OF THE SITUATION.
Which competition do you remember best?
THE MOST I REMEMBER FIGHT AGAINST JAMES ZIKIC, HI IS VERY THOUGH WARRIOR ON HIGH LEVEL.
How does the Covid 19 situation affect you and how do you deal with?
I TRAINED A LOT DURING LOCK DOWN ON MY ATHLETIC PREPARATION AND POWER AND I’M READY TO DO A GOOD SHOW IN NEXT FIGHT.
Many have adjusted their training, how did you attune your activities?
I TRAINED MORE STAMINA AND STRENGTH, RECOVERY ON SMALL INJURIES AND PHYSICAL PREPARATION.
What does this pause from competition mean to you?
I HAD CHANCE TO TRAIN MORE ON PHYSICAL PREPARATION.
What is your life motto?
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE, YOU JUST NEED TO BELIEVE IN IT.
What are your goals and wishes?
MAIN GOAL IS THE BELT OF ONE CHAMPIONSHIP AND BRING IT TO ITALY.
How do you recharge your batteries?
I’M CHARGED ON 100% AND CAN’T WAIT TO TURN IN THE CAGE.
What is your opinion on the use of prohibited substances in sport?
I DON’T USE ANY PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES AND I SUPPORT THE ANTI DOPING CONTROLS IN PROFESSIONAL SPORT.
If you look back, would you change anything or decide otherwise?
YES, I WILL NEVER TRIED TO GO DOWN ON LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS, WHICH WAS NOT MY WEIGHT CATEGORY AS ALL.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
IN 10 YEARS I SEE MYSELF LIKE A COACH AND MANAGER, ALWAYS IN THIS BEAUTIFUL SPORT.
What kind of man is Mauro in private?
I’M FATHER OF THREE KIDS AND CAREFUL HUSBAND. WHEN I’M NOT AT HOME I’M IN THE GYM WITH MY SECOND FAMILY.
What is your favourite food?
SPAGHETTI ALLA CARBONARA, BUT UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE AN ALIMENTATION PROGRAM, SO, I CAN EAT IT RARE.
Perhaps a message for our readers in Slovenia?
CAN’T WAIT TO TURN IN SLOVENIA AND GO TO EAT MEAT ON GRILL WITH MY FRIENDS, TO VISIT MORE CITYES WHICH ARE ALL CURATE IN ALL DETAILS. SEE YOU SOON.
Thank you for your time and all the best in future
Milan Krušič
