Paul Uhl: From Football to MMA
By George Hernandez
Q & A with Former Temple City Ram football player Paul “Lil Hulk” Uhl on his move into MMA. Paul talks about fighting for the memory of his mom Linda Uhl and his family Brian Uhl, Christy, Mel and Casey.
Mid Valley Sports: You’re a former Temple City Ram. How do you think the Rams are going to do this season?
Paul Uhl: Well TC has a long history of creating tough football players. To not think of defeat or pain, to only see a win and to give it your all to be a champion. If the coaches still incorporate that mind set, it doesn’t matter if you have the best team. You can be successful if you just put your mind to it.
MVS: How did you like your time as a football player at TC?
PU: Loved it. Was the best time of my life! It was not only a good time for me, but for my family as well- especially my mom. She loved being the team mom.
MVS: Why did you decide to get into mixed martial arts?
PU: Why not? You get to hit people and not get into trouble! No, for real it looked like something I could do well so I wanted to try it out. I had a back ground in karate, jkd, and wing chun so I wanted to put those techniques into use.
MVS: What was your biggest concern with joining MMA?
PU: Knowing my Grandma would hate that I’m fighting! Other than that, I had none.
MVS: What was it like making your MMA debut at Quake in the Cage?
PU: I was a little nervous, but a lot more pumped up. I just wanted to put on a good show for my first fight so people could see that I have skill and I am able to put up a good fight. I wanted people to learn my name so they would want to see me fight again!
MVS: What did you think about the outcome of your first fight?
PU: I hate losing ha ha… But I don’t feel as though I was beaten by points or a tap out. I can’t help that the doctor stopped the fight. It left a bitter taste in my mouth. A good one though because I am training with a much more dedicated mind set to become the best. I already feel much improved since that fight.
MVS: What do you like the most about mixed martial arts?
PU: The discipline. It’s a 24 hour thing for me. If I’m not training at The Vault, I’m in the gym pumping weights. When I’m at home, I watch what I eat so I can keep my weight down but still have great energy for my training. It keeps me focused. Plus, I love being a part of this team!
MVS: What’s been the toughest part of your transition to mixed martial arts?
PU: The cardio! I’ve always been a football player and a weight lifter. Now it’s all about interval training and running. It took awhile to get use to, but now I love the transition.
MVS: When is your next fight?
PU: It is on August 29th at the Elks Lodge in Arcadia!
MVS: What’s one thing about you that most people might not know but that you think they should?
PU: Believe it or not, before each meal or training session I pray and think of my mom. She was always my biggest supporter when I played any sport. She created me to think ‘Do not just win; embarrass the person across from you.’
She was always my mental support. If I was hurt, instead of babying me she would simply say hey it’s a tough sport for tough people so stop complaining. I fight in her honor. If she was still here next to me I know she would love to watch me fight and be proud of what I am doing. I am not out there to prove anything. I am fighting because I love the sport and I know my mom is watching me in heaven saying “that’s my boy.”
MVS: Is there anyone you would like to thank and any last thing you would like to say?
PU: First to God. He gave me a heart that loves to compete. To my team at The Vault, thank you everyone for sparring with me and getting me better each day. To my family, thank you for your support and all the loving thoughts and prayers. And finally, to my girlfriend. She’s my right hand lady ha ha. When I get home and I’m sore she’s there to help me feel better.
George can be reached at mvs_fightgame@yahoo.com
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