Rod MacSwain Interview - November 2009
Hot Rod MacSwain has become one of the best known MMA fighters in New Zealand. He has fought some of the best in New Zealand and recently has shown Australia what he can do with two impressive victories on the Rize MMA shows in Brisbane. Rod trains out of Strikeforce in Auckland and is preparing to take on well know Kickboxer and MMA fighter Eugene Bareman on the upcoming Supremacy 4 Legends Rise show in Auckland on 14th November. Rod answered a few questions for infinitemma.com
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Rod can you tell us how you got into MMA and how long you have been doing it?
I’ve always been competitive growing up, team sports don’t do the individual athlete justice. After watching a particular MMA movie last year in april i thought to myself this is for me. Googled MMA in aucklandNZ and the result was STRIKEFORCE gym in New Lynn. Although I lived in Manurewa South Auckland, the 40 min drive through traffic each day was a small fee for what i got in return. I turned up the next day, had my first fight in 2 months. 9 fights in an 18month career.
What is your fight record in MMA?
8 - 1 - 0
Although I’ll ask John if we can call it even on the rematch to get rid of that 1. haha
have you fought any other styles if so what result?
Wrestling in middle school Auckland champs
Boxing for a couple months, learnt how to punch
TKD for a couple months, learnt how to kick
You have had a number of MMA fights who do you rate as the hardest match and why?
So far it would be John Erskine fighting out of academy of combat, he beat me by decision in christchurch on cagewarrior and it was a beating too. Although I won the rematch in Auckland in round 1, this guy doesn’t stop and he doesn’t tap. The word we use to describe John is “relentless” and I hope to see him fighting again soon.
you are competing on the upcoming Supremacy card at the YMCA on November 14 against Eugene Bareman. can you tell us what you know about Eugene and what do you think Eugene’s Strengths and weakness’s are?
Strengths, apart from the years of Thai Boxing and BJJ against my vast 1st XV experience i guess its fair to say you have to fight the best to be the best, and being the best means weakness’s come rare. In Eugene’s case, I guess his weakness will be fighting someone just as competitive as himself.
What special training are you doing for the upcoming bout?
Same old i guess, always good training under Aaron, Kaota, Dion, John. Karl and Gareth always have vital training tips and techniques specific for fights.
Also army style sessions with Scottie and MMA specific training with the Handsome Neil White help with vital aspects of the sport. MMA sparring with Pat LUCHADOR Crawley is always interesting.
How do you think this fight will go? do you think it will be mainly standup or ground and what is your prediction on the outcome?
I’m prepared to fight anywhere, and so is he. It will be a contest of who can take the most punishment.
Who is your favourite MMA fighter and Why?
Mauricio SHOGUN Rua, unmatched in pride with an insane style. His win against Machida shows he is back.
If there was one person you could fight who would it be and why?
Nobody, i love watching fights. Plus being in my second year of training, I’ve alot more training to do before I’m even near where I want to be potentially.
Do you have any supporters and sponsors you would like to thank?
Strikeforce Gym Auckland Canterbury 10DRURY
Tukaha BJJ NZ Pedro
MMAGEAR.CO.NZ
NZ Boxer