Inside Fights Exclusive Interview with Ron Waterman
Ron “H2O” Waterman is a veteran fighter who has competed in PRIDE, the UFC, Pancrase, WEC, and WFA. He first made a name for himself as a mixed martial artist by tearing through the competition to win the 1999 Bas Rutten invitational. In addition to his successful MMA career (13 – 4 – 2 record with 5 knockouts and 6 submissions among his victories), Waterman has made a name for himself as a professional wrestler and as a member of Team Impact, a group of Christian strength athletes who give motivational presentations around the world.
Currently, Ron is in training to face ADCC World Champion Roger Gracie at the Bodog Fight PPV in Vancouver on December 2. Roger is the latest member of his famous family to make the jump to mixed martial arts competition, and the fight against Waterman will mark this Gracie’s MMA debut. We are grateful to Ron for taking time out from his busy schedule to answer some questions about his background, his training, his faith, and even his former tag team partner Brock Lesnar.
About You
What got you interesting in becoming an MMA competitor? Who were some of the people who influenced you along the way?
I was a Heavyweight college Wrestler at the University of Northern Colorado when the UFC started to get popular. I felt after I graduated that I could be competitive in MMA. I began to train in Ju-Jitsu and was influenced to enter the Bas Rutten Invitational in Denver, CO. I won the tournament easily and was invited to UFC 20 which I won in 28 seconds.
Where do you train in Colorado, and who are some of the people that you train with?
I train everywhere. I travel with Team Impact Ministries and train in every town I go to. I have trained a lot in the past with the UNC wrestling team. Charles Tucker a BJJ instructor at Mountain States has trained with me in the past also.
Obviously, raw physical power is a huge part of your game? Do you consider this to be your biggest strength as a fighter? What else do you consider a strength?
I was a college wrestler and feel the 20 + years of wrestling background helps much more than just strength. If you don’t know how to use your strength it doesn’t help much.
What are the areas of your game that you feel you need to work on?
I always try to improve on all aspects. You can’t be one dimensional and be successful at this level.
Do you see any conflict between being a man of faith and making your living as a professional fighter? How does your faith contribute to your success?
No I am very comfortable with my faith as a fighter, it’s just another sport. I don’t compete out of anger or wanting to hurt anyone. It’s an art form that I have excelled at. The Lord gives me the peace I need to compete and be a positive influence and witness for his kingdom.
Which do you prefer, professional wrestling or shoot fighting? If you had to choose between teaching, coaching, fighting, pro wrestling, or preaching, which one would you pick?
Two different sports. I enjoyed both but totally different mindsets. The Lord has called me to Ministry and that is my full time position. I fight a few times a year and enjoy the competition. I train very hard and stay in very good shape year round so it’s not as difficult to get into fighting shape. I am 40 and still feel I am at the top of my game.
Would you want your sons to go into fighting? Do they train now?
They are both very talented and blessed athletes who compete in Football, Wrestling, Track, and Waterskiing. I want them to get College Degrees and then see where the Lord wants them. I would love to have them traveling with Team Impact Ministry, sharing Jesus Christ with the world.
What was it like teaming with Brock Lesnar? Do you think he’ll be a successful MMA competitor? Would you like to fight him?
I don’t like to fight friends and people I have been close to in the past. Yes Brock will be a successful MMA competitor; he is an outstanding wrestler, has great strength and most importantly has a strong wrestle’s work ethic which surpasses all.
About Training
Would you say that you put more emphasis on weight training than most mixed martial artists do?
Yes, weight training has been a part of my life for 25yrs.
Can you give us some of you best lifting numbers?
550lb bench press. 1200lb sled press. Don’t max on other lifts. I have very good muscle endurance. That is more practical for MMA than one rep max strength.
Where do you train in Colorado, and who do you train with?
Weight train and Cardio train at Work out West in Greeley Colorado for the last 15 years
In training for MMA, do you focus more energy on trying to fine tune the strong points of your game, or on trying to bring up whatever areas might need improving?
Both
Do you train differently for different opponents?
Yes, every fight is approached differently.
Does your training change as it gets closer to the day of a fight? How so?
Yes, more cardio.
What is your diet like? What supplements do you use? Do you have any favorite cheat foods?
I am on a high protein diet. I have one listed on my web page, www.ronwaterman.com and have a list of supplements I use on the ISS Research web site, www.issresearch.com. They have been my supplement sponsors for the last 6 years. The best supplement company out there.
Do you think that carrying so much muscle might cause you to gas out more quickly than a leaner fighter?
Yes, it’s harder to supply the body with blood and oxygen the bigger you are. You must train much harder as a big athlete.
About Fighting
What is your routine on the day of a fight?
Relax and focus on the fight.
Is strategy important? Is it more important for you to use your strengths or to exploit the weaknesses of your opponents? Do you tend to try and impose your will, or do you tend to take what you are given?
I try to impose my will!
Would it be accurate to call you a ground and pound type of a fighter?
No, most of my wins are by submission.
Who did you train with to earn your BJJ black belt? Which is a better base for MMA, wrestling or BJJ?
Colorado Stars in Westminister Colorado. Carlos Leal and many others. Both Wrestling and BJJ play a big part in the success of a MMA fighter.
About Bodog Fight
You’ve fought almost everywhere. How would you compare fighting for Bodog with fighting for Pancrase, PRIDE, UFC, WFA, and WEC? How does the atmosphere compare with working at Ohio Valley Wrestling?
OVW was a completely different setting as was WWE. The crowds have both been very big. I wrestled in front of 60 thousand at Madison Square Gardens, and have fought in Pride in front of 50 thousand. I am looking forward competing in front of the the Bodog crowd.
Does going into a fight against a Gracie feel any different from going into any other fight?
No
Roger Gracie is an ADCC veteran. Have you been there yourself? Do you have any interest in competing there?
I have always wanted to compete in the ADCC. I think I would do well!
How much can you tell us about your strategy going into this fight?
Everyone will see soon.
Thanks again to Ron Waterman for taking the time to do this interview, and to you for reading it!
You can see the Bodog fighters in action right here.
Please send feedback to: mr.gordi at gmail dot com
You can read the exclusive interview with Bodog fighter Chael Sonnen here: Sonnen Interview
