Last Updated on March 24, 2014.
by: MMAJAM.CA
Today’s feature fighter is a man out of Tiger Schulmann’s MMA, 7x MMA and Kickboxing Champion Stephen Regman (1-1 pro). If you don’t know this name it might be time to get on the bandwagon because he is going to be a huge name very soon! Make sure to get over to Twitter and follow him @Stephen_Regman, he is yet another name to add to the most approachable fighters I have interviewed list, great man and great fighter!
MMAJAM: Hey there Stephen, thanks for taking the time out of your day to sit down with us here at MMAJAM.CA. What got you into the world of MMA? If you were not a fighter what do you think you would be doing?
Regman: Whoa two part question right off the back? Looks like things just got REAL! Ok first, as a kid I was always into Power Rangers, Ninja Turtles, and Dragonball Z. My parents needed something for me to do to control my energy. The sport teams in my town were good, really good, but I didn’t grow up in the best area and there were a lot of bad influences around. My parents then found Tiger Schulmann’s, which was about 20 minutes away and several towns over; I loved it from day one. Family atmosphere, great instruction, and I gained self – disciplined and self- confidence very fast and began to receive excellent grades in school. A couple years later, I wanted to take my training to the next level. I had my first kickboxing fight and from there on, it became my addiction. Many fights and years later I had my first MMA fight in VA. It was a tournament style MMA event almost like the old school Pride where you can fight more than once throughout the day. I was the youngest in the division at 18, won, and earned my first title! Again, another addiction was born!
Part two is simple because it’s what I do now. If I weren’t a fighter, I would be a full time Tiger Schulmann’s MMA instructor changing the lives of children, kids, and adults. As for adults, getting them into the best shape of their lives, lowering their stress and keeping them on a consistent schedule. This leads to them gaining self-discipline and understanding that they can defend themselves if need be, which leads to their self-confidence. As for the children and kids, giving them the tools they need to grow into the finest adult they can possibly be both physically and mentally. There is nothing else I would rather be doing.
MMAJAM: That is amazing and perhaps the best opening line to an answer I have ever received haha well done! What were some of your influences early on in your career and who are some now?
Regman: My influences early in my career and still to this day are my parents and Danny ‘Tiger’ Schulmann. While growing up and watching these three amazing people I learned one important thing: hard work pays off! If someone wants to have that instant gratification then go to the casino or play the lottery and even that isn’t guaranteed. If someone wants true happiness, then work hard and do not give up. Even after you reach a specific goal, that is when you set the goal even higher and continue to strive for more. My parents and Tiger Schulmann have taught me those things through their actions and I have never seen them frown.
MMAJAM: Couldn’t have any better influences than that! You are a fighter out of Tiger Schulmann’s MMA, talk to us about why you choose that gym and what makes you stay there.
Regman: I started my training at the age of 12 with Tiger Schulmann’s MMA and I have stayed ever since. Being coached by Tiger Schulmann himself as well as being able to train with some of the most talented MMA fighters are two reasons why I would never leave my gym. Also, the family environment that has been established throughout the organization and amongst our fight team is one that no other gym can replicate. Tiger Schulmann’s MMA gave me my foundation and I am still growing, learning, and evolving as a fighter and instructor everyday!
MMAJAM: From all the people I have ever interview or had the privledge to speak to they all say the same about Tiger Schulmann’s MMA, an amazing place! You are a 7 time MMA/Kickboxing champion, if you had to choose a favorite between the two what would it be and why?
Regman: Kickboxing is my first love! I grew to love MMA as I improved my jiu-jitsu and wrestling. I would pick MMA if I HAD to pick one. I really enjoy the fact that the fight isn’t limited to where it goes. It forces people to train in all aspects of the sport in order to be one of the best out there. In the street, you can’t really say ‘Hey let’s fight, but we have to stay standing’. The other person would just look at you like you’re crazy, possibly take you down, and punch you in the face. I enjoy MMA and feel that it has pushed me to focus on all aspect of my fight game.
MMAJAM: Couldn’t agree more, the game is always changing and you need to be well rounded to compete at any level. Talk to us about the hard work that goes into becoming a champion as well as the emotions that hit when you finally get to the top of that mountain?
Regman: Becoming a champion isn’t easy. If it were, then everyone would be a champion. There were and still are times when I have a bad day in training and I take it to heart as if I lost my title. I personally like the ‘bad days’. They are the important ones because they teach me to continue to train even when things aren’t going my way and to find a way to come out on top. That mentality has resulted in me earning 7 titles and defending them all at least twice and never losing one. I have gotten mentally stronger! I have not reached the top of the mountain yet. I am not in the UFC yet, I am not the UFC lightweight champ yet, and I have not retired as one of the greatest fighters who has stepped foot into the biggest MMA event in the world (UFC). I am slowly climbing my way to the top of the mountain and I will do all it takes to be a true champion and reach the top!
MMAJAM: Great statements all around there, truer words have never been spoken. What are some of your goals in and out of the cage?
Regman: In the cage, I want to be known as one of the greatest and most dynamic fighters of all time, plain and simple.
Out of the cage, I want to change lives. I want to help people become undefeated champions! Not in the sense of fighting in the ring/cage, but being undefeated champions in their own lives. Undefeated champions in school, at work, at home, wherever they want to. They will also know that if they had to defend themselves in an altercation, they will have the skill set to successfully do so. I plan to change lives in both children and adults and help people realize the power of a non-quitting spirit.
MMAJAM: That is simply amazing. I really hope the people you impact on a daily basis and the ones reading this know but how much they mean to you and exactly what you do for them! Now you just turned pro last September, talk to us about the difference you saw from ammy to pro?
Regman: One of the biggest differences for me is the fact that with a pro fight I can weigh in the night before. It gives me an opportunity to replenish and refuel my body to prepare for fight day. With an amateur fight, same day weigh ins can be challenging. Personally, I prefer the professional rules over the amateur rules because fighters can’t ‘lay and pray’ as easily. Even if someone gets taken down, I think the takedown shouldn’t be the deciding factor. It’s the action that happens once it gets to the ground. That being said, unfortunately there are still professional fighters who ‘lay and pray’ and win fights like that. Regardless if it’s an amateur or professional fight, each fight requires my complete attention and 100% dedication.
MMAJAM: Yeah I don’t think people realize that about many ammy promotions that you weigh in day of and it, ike you said can really influence how a fight goes. After you turned pro you lost your debut fight, what kind of emotions did you go through (was there ever doubt in your decision) and then in your last fight you won via TKO beating Jonathan Hughes did you feel a sense of validation?
Regman: In my pro debut, I fought a guy I fought when I was an amateur. I learned a very important aspect of the game; do not leave it to the judges. My opinion does not matter and no matter what people say I actually like that loss on my record. That split decision loss reminds me of the sea of emotions that I went through when I let it go to the judges. I learned more from that loss than I have from some of my wins. Going into my second pro fight, I knew what I had to do. I was not leaving it to the judges. I will always look for the finish now!
MMAJAM: Ahh that famous Dana White quote about judges haha well done. Watching a couple of your fights on Youtube you have a pretty amazing fanbase. Can you take a minute to talk to us about what they mean to you and if you could tell all your fans one sentence what would it be?
Regman: Whenever I fight, I take my teammates, students, and fans in there with me. They push me to do what I do and to perform during my fights. The sounds of the chants, the crowds of people wearing my official TiGear shirt and hearing everyone scream makes my hair standing on end. The fans are what gets me excited and pumps me up when I step into the cage. My last fight I was nervous in the back. As I walked out, the closer I got to the cage, the louder the crowd got, the more confident and relaxed I became. Once I stepped in that cage, I felt at home! What I would like to say to my fans are two simple words, THANK YOU!
MMAJAM: Simply amazing ! So now what’s next in your career?
Regman: Whatever is next for me will present itself soon. I’m just going with the flow! Every fight and every performance gets me one step higher on the ladder. I keep myself both mentally and physically prepared for whatever is next to come in my career.
MMAJAM: Ok it’s time for the age old Fight Club question, if you could stand across the cage from anyone no matter the time period of weight class who would it be and why?
Regman: Every UFC I watch where this guy shows up I say I want to fight him. That man is Nate Diaz. Most people want to fight him because they don’t like him, but my reasoning is different. First off, Nate’s attitude and my attitude I believe can lead to one of the most built up fights of all time! The countdown video would be epic! Secondly, his fighting style and the attitude he brings into the cage can lead to potentially one of the greatest fights of all time! I’m still early in my career, but hopefully I can get that fight in the UFC one day. **cough cough*.
MMAJAM: I literally couldn’t agree more! I am a huge Diaz brother fan and love the mentatily because they take it for what it is, a fight. Yes there is the important respect aspect and lots of other factors but for 15-25 minutes it is just that, a fight. Ok last question; if someone was thinking of getting into the world of MMA and came to you for advice, what would your first statement be to them and why?
Regman: People have come to me about this already and I tell everyone the same thing, do not rush it. Fighting is not for everyone and it’s not as easy as it seems. Get a foundation of all the aspects of the sport first. Too many people out there say they want to fight and their coaches get them fights too early and they go out there and get beat or embarrassed. Some people are tough enough to win their first couple fights, then get embarrassed when they fight someone who has a stronger foundation. The person’s love for the sport can possibly be ruined because of that. Take your time and don’t rush into it!
MMAJAM: That isn’t the first or last time I have heard that exact statement and I hope to keep hearing it because it is the truth! Before we let you go are there any people or sponsors you would like to mention?
Regman: First, I would like to thank my parents for teaching me to be a good individual and to work hard. Without them, I would have never started this amazing journey at Tiger Schulmann’s or be where I am today! I would also like to thank my coaches and teammates for always pushing me to the next level and to my sponsors Tiger Schulmann’s MMA and Tigear (the best quality gear out there on the market).
There you have it fight fans, Stephen Regman. Can’t go wrong with a guy that thanks his parents first and then puts the stamp on other fighters inside the cage! Make sure to get over to Twitter and follow him @Stephen_Regman! Until next time fight fans!!!
