“Little Mirko” Ready for PRIDE Debut
Tim Leidecker Apr 7, 2007
Croat Zelg Galesic
(Pictures) has burst onto the mixed
martial arts scene like a comet. In the past two and a half years
the 28-year-old kickboxer went from being a complete nobody to the
British middleweight champion in Cage Rage. That has led him to
PRIDE, where he is following in the footsteps of countryman
Mirko Filipovic
(Pictures).
Dubbed "Little Mirko," Zelg has made a cult following in Europe due to his aggressive and explosive style. Sherdog.com hooked up with him for his first major interview in which he discusses his fight against Japanese judoka Makoto Takimoto (Pictures) at PRIDE 34 this Sunday, his contract situation, as well as the comparison to Mirko "Cro Cop."
Sherdog.com: Zelg, thanks for taking the time
to answer our questions. How do you feel about being in [PRIDE]
after only two years in the game?
Zelg Galesic (Pictures): It's a dream come true. I could never have expected to rise up the ranks so quickly in normal circumstances, but I have a good manager in Charlie, who I find it easy to discuss things with. We had a mutual devised development plan, which has pretty much played out. I did what was expected of me and my team did what was expected of them and now I'm in PRIDE. But regardless of all of this, I am still really excited about being able to represent Croatia and my second home Great Britain in the world's best fight organization.
Galesic: I've trained to exploit any chances that present themselves. If Takimoto gives me an opening, he can be sure I will capitalize on it.
Sherdog.com: Your teammate James Thompson (Pictures) has successfully defeated another judoka in Hidehiko Yoshida (Pictures) on New Year's Eve. Have you already thought out a battle plan for Takimoto with him or will you use a different approach for your fight?
Galesic: I am fortunate that my team Trojan has a wealth of experience that is accessible to me. Hence I don't just talk the fight through with one person but with many of the senior fighters and instructors. All have valuable advice to give and they are generally only too glad to impart it. James has of cause fought in PRIDE many times and has given me some valuable advice on how to prepare for the daunting task ahead, this has been the best advice so far. I am confident that on the day everything will go to plan and that I will make a good impression.
Sherdog.com: PRIDE is marketing you as "Benkei," a famous warrior monk, for your fight against Takimoto. Was that your idea or theirs?
Galesic: I have actually been called "Benkei" for some time. The hardcore Japanese fans from (Internet forum) 2ch started calling me that. I investigated what the name stood for and liked the character and what he stood for, so I am happy to for PRIDE to market me as Benkei. It probably doesn't make much sense out of Japan, but I am glad I can have a connection with the Japanese fans through a name that they have chosen for me.
Sherdog.com: How does your contract situation look like? Will you carry out the reported five-fight deal you signed with DSE, now that the company has been sold to [the Fertittas] or will you return to Cage Rage instead?
Galesic: This is a difficult question to answer at this stage. There are others looking into the new deal and what the implications are. What I can tell you is that in my heart of hearts I want to be a PRIDE fighter. Simply because in PRIDE, you can test yourself against the best MMA fighters in the world. If the behind the scene issues are acceptable to me and my management team, I don't see any problems, but as I said before, we will have to wait and see as at this moment in time I know very little.
Sherdog.com: You come from a taekwondo background and you have also competed in Muay Thai and boxing matches. What was the biggest adjustment you had to make to your fighting style when switching to MMA?
Galesic: I suppose the biggest change was having to learn all the ground elements. I had no grappling background so I had to immerse myself in the grappling side of things. Fortunately Trojan has one of the best grappling training programs in Europe. Italo Ferreria is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who has won many major grappling contests. Italo is a generous instructor who doesn't hold any information back and as a result my jiu-jitsu game has risen to a very respectable level indeed. Sayeed Esmaili, the team wrestling coach, is a former Olympian, who has added a different dimension to my ground fighting ability. I have always respected freestyle wrestling, but now have an even healthier respect now since training with Sayeed.
Sherdog.com: You are being dubbed "Croatian Wonderkid" and "Little Mirko" by fans on the Internet? Does that flatter or irritate you?
Galesic: I am my own man and feel I am a very different fighter than Mirko, but given we are from the same country it is understandable that such comparisons will be made. Although I am flattered to be compared to such a great fighter, I hope after a few fights in PRIDE the tables will turn, and that they will start calling Mirko "Lil' Zelg"! (laughs)
Sherdog.com: What kind of relationship do you have with Mirko "Cro Cop"? And which of his many strengths do you admire the most?
Galesic: We are good friends and from time to time training partners. His timing when we spar is flawless, so I would say I admire this attribute the most.
Sherdog.com: At 6' 2" you are very tall for a middleweight fighter. Would moving up in weight be an option for the later stages of your career?
Galesic: As I am getting older, it is getting increasingly difficult to make the weight. I would say there is a distinct possibility that I will have to move up a weight category in the future.
Sherdog.com: You have one defeat against Englishman Paul Taylor on your otherwise perfect record. What went different in this fight compared to your eight wins?
Galesic: I was arrogant and thought that it would be impossible for someone to take me down. I learnt a valuable lesson and I think it made me a better fighter. I think it was the right time in my career to have such a lesson as I was just starting out in MMA. I think the loss helped me focus my training and incentivized me to develop myself further.
Sherdog.com: You have organized an MMA event in your home city of Pula at the end of January. Is this something you would look at doing regularly now and who is the next Croatian superstar judging from the results?
Galesic: I hope to do two shows a year. This is so I can give other Croatians the opportunities that I have had. As for the next superstar I would say that Blazenko "Boom Boom" Tomisic has the potential to go all the way. He has extraordinary ability and has stopped most of his opponents in the first round.
Sherdog.com: How did you end up from being born in the northwest of Croatia to living in southern England?
Galesic: It's all down to one woman, now the mother of my son.
Sherdog.com: Your first name, Zelg, is unusual even by Croatian standards. How did your parents come up with this one?
Galesic: It is made up by taking the first letter out of the names of my close family members. What can I say, my parents are interesting people.
Sherdog.com: If you had to describe Zelg, the person, not the fighter, in three words, what would they be?
Galesic: Loyal, honest and crazy.
Sherdog.com: In the end, do you have a message for your fans around the world?
Galesic: Thanks for all the support I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you guys. And to all the kids whose dinner money I stole, I hope there are no hard feelings! (laughs)
Dubbed "Little Mirko," Zelg has made a cult following in Europe due to his aggressive and explosive style. Sherdog.com hooked up with him for his first major interview in which he discusses his fight against Japanese judoka Makoto Takimoto (Pictures) at PRIDE 34 this Sunday, his contract situation, as well as the comparison to Mirko "Cro Cop."
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Zelg Galesic (Pictures): It's a dream come true. I could never have expected to rise up the ranks so quickly in normal circumstances, but I have a good manager in Charlie, who I find it easy to discuss things with. We had a mutual devised development plan, which has pretty much played out. I did what was expected of me and my team did what was expected of them and now I'm in PRIDE. But regardless of all of this, I am still really excited about being able to represent Croatia and my second home Great Britain in the world's best fight organization.
Sherdog.com: Your last five fights have all
ended in two minutes or less in your favor. Are you looking for a
finish in like manner in your fight against Makoto Takimoto (Pictures) on Sunday?
Galesic: I've trained to exploit any chances that present themselves. If Takimoto gives me an opening, he can be sure I will capitalize on it.
Sherdog.com: Your teammate James Thompson (Pictures) has successfully defeated another judoka in Hidehiko Yoshida (Pictures) on New Year's Eve. Have you already thought out a battle plan for Takimoto with him or will you use a different approach for your fight?
Galesic: I am fortunate that my team Trojan has a wealth of experience that is accessible to me. Hence I don't just talk the fight through with one person but with many of the senior fighters and instructors. All have valuable advice to give and they are generally only too glad to impart it. James has of cause fought in PRIDE many times and has given me some valuable advice on how to prepare for the daunting task ahead, this has been the best advice so far. I am confident that on the day everything will go to plan and that I will make a good impression.
Sherdog.com: PRIDE is marketing you as "Benkei," a famous warrior monk, for your fight against Takimoto. Was that your idea or theirs?
Galesic: I have actually been called "Benkei" for some time. The hardcore Japanese fans from (Internet forum) 2ch started calling me that. I investigated what the name stood for and liked the character and what he stood for, so I am happy to for PRIDE to market me as Benkei. It probably doesn't make much sense out of Japan, but I am glad I can have a connection with the Japanese fans through a name that they have chosen for me.
Sherdog.com: How does your contract situation look like? Will you carry out the reported five-fight deal you signed with DSE, now that the company has been sold to [the Fertittas] or will you return to Cage Rage instead?
Galesic: This is a difficult question to answer at this stage. There are others looking into the new deal and what the implications are. What I can tell you is that in my heart of hearts I want to be a PRIDE fighter. Simply because in PRIDE, you can test yourself against the best MMA fighters in the world. If the behind the scene issues are acceptable to me and my management team, I don't see any problems, but as I said before, we will have to wait and see as at this moment in time I know very little.
Sherdog.com: You come from a taekwondo background and you have also competed in Muay Thai and boxing matches. What was the biggest adjustment you had to make to your fighting style when switching to MMA?
Galesic: I suppose the biggest change was having to learn all the ground elements. I had no grappling background so I had to immerse myself in the grappling side of things. Fortunately Trojan has one of the best grappling training programs in Europe. Italo Ferreria is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who has won many major grappling contests. Italo is a generous instructor who doesn't hold any information back and as a result my jiu-jitsu game has risen to a very respectable level indeed. Sayeed Esmaili, the team wrestling coach, is a former Olympian, who has added a different dimension to my ground fighting ability. I have always respected freestyle wrestling, but now have an even healthier respect now since training with Sayeed.
Sherdog.com: You are being dubbed "Croatian Wonderkid" and "Little Mirko" by fans on the Internet? Does that flatter or irritate you?
Galesic: I am my own man and feel I am a very different fighter than Mirko, but given we are from the same country it is understandable that such comparisons will be made. Although I am flattered to be compared to such a great fighter, I hope after a few fights in PRIDE the tables will turn, and that they will start calling Mirko "Lil' Zelg"! (laughs)
Sherdog.com: What kind of relationship do you have with Mirko "Cro Cop"? And which of his many strengths do you admire the most?
Galesic: We are good friends and from time to time training partners. His timing when we spar is flawless, so I would say I admire this attribute the most.
Sherdog.com: At 6' 2" you are very tall for a middleweight fighter. Would moving up in weight be an option for the later stages of your career?
Galesic: As I am getting older, it is getting increasingly difficult to make the weight. I would say there is a distinct possibility that I will have to move up a weight category in the future.
Sherdog.com: You have one defeat against Englishman Paul Taylor on your otherwise perfect record. What went different in this fight compared to your eight wins?
Galesic: I was arrogant and thought that it would be impossible for someone to take me down. I learnt a valuable lesson and I think it made me a better fighter. I think it was the right time in my career to have such a lesson as I was just starting out in MMA. I think the loss helped me focus my training and incentivized me to develop myself further.
Sherdog.com: You have organized an MMA event in your home city of Pula at the end of January. Is this something you would look at doing regularly now and who is the next Croatian superstar judging from the results?
Galesic: I hope to do two shows a year. This is so I can give other Croatians the opportunities that I have had. As for the next superstar I would say that Blazenko "Boom Boom" Tomisic has the potential to go all the way. He has extraordinary ability and has stopped most of his opponents in the first round.
Sherdog.com: How did you end up from being born in the northwest of Croatia to living in southern England?
Galesic: It's all down to one woman, now the mother of my son.
Sherdog.com: Your first name, Zelg, is unusual even by Croatian standards. How did your parents come up with this one?
Galesic: It is made up by taking the first letter out of the names of my close family members. What can I say, my parents are interesting people.
Sherdog.com: If you had to describe Zelg, the person, not the fighter, in three words, what would they be?
Galesic: Loyal, honest and crazy.
Sherdog.com: In the end, do you have a message for your fans around the world?
Galesic: Thanks for all the support I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you guys. And to all the kids whose dinner money I stole, I hope there are no hard feelings! (laughs)
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