MMA Interview of the Week - October 21st 2002

Interview with Shonie Carter

He's known as Mr.International and is one of the most exciting fighters in the sport today. Shonie Carter talked with MMAWeekly about his recent fights, his future and why he isn't in the UFC in the Interview of the Week.

Ryan Bennett: Alright we are joined with one of the guys I love to watch fight,
Shonie Carter. Shonie congrats on your win recently. I know a lot of people saw the fight on ESPN. Tell the rest of the MMA public what Shidokan is and what this past win meant to you?

Shonie Carter: The Shidokan is the triathalon of martial arts, the first round is bareknuckle karate the next is thai boxing rounds, and finally the grappling rounds. It was a very emotional time for me, especially since he defeated me in the previous shidokan by knockout after my ufc fight the night before against Adrian Serrano in Iowa. Then there was the fact I just came from a funeral that same day of my uncle who was the reverend of my church who was married to my grandmother's sister. To top things off I was involved in a hit and run accident in my car with my one year old son in the car on the way to the tournament.

Ryan: Wow, that's incredible. It makes it that much more impressive. Congrats. Which is more fun for you to compete in MMA or Shidokan?

Shonie: They are both equal in my heart, but Shidokan is harder, but mma is more fun I guess it depends.

Ryan: Shonie many fans want to know why you aren't fighting in the UFC or Pride because you are a world class fighter.

Shonie: I guess they don't want the ratings to go through the roof and then there is the fact that me being sexy as I am I would take too much of Tito's spotlight. As far as Pride is concerned they are just worried about me upstaging their heavyweight superstars and upstaging their golden boy and even if I lose I won't even know I'm losing because I'll be looking too good doing it!

Ryan: (laughs) Is there any bad blood with either federation?

Shonie: I don't think so if there is they need to let me know so we can handle that shit like men ought to no matter the result.

Ryan: You have been in a lot of fights, what is your proudest moment in your career?

Shonie: Defeating the likes of Dave Menne whom I truly respect, Matt serra while in speedos, Lammein Keita the way I did

Ryan: What was the toughest fight in your career?
Shonie: The women in my life and if it counts my girlfriend Samantha (ha,ha,ha!)

Ryan: (laughs) This is why I love to rap with you. Your killing me. When you are just hanging out, other than yourself, who do you like to watch in mixed martial arts fight and why?

Shonie: I don't watch too many fights, I just read the results on the internet, because I get jealous that I'm not there doing it at that time

Ryan: What's next for you?

Shonie: Taking the game to the next the level

Ryan: Is there anyone out there you REALLY want to fight?

Shonie: I would like to fight and defeat the weight scale and the heavybag!

Ryan: By KO or submission?

Shonie: BOTH.

Ryan: Shonie thank you so much for joining us and we look forward to watching you fight real soon. Thanks for joining us at MMAWeekly.com

Shonie: My pleasure.