Quick Interview w/ UFC Replacement Sherman Pendergarst
Submitted by: MMA Observer (ADCC News)
Posted On 11/07/2006

Anyway you look at it, Sherman Pendergarst will be making his UFC debut. Two weeks ago, Pendergarst was scheduled to fight in a heavyweight main event bout on December 9, 2006 , in New Jersey. But a phone call from his management changed that when presented with the idea of fighting in the UFC. Pendergarst will replace Brad Imes at UFC 65: Bad Intentions and try to make a name for himself when he faces Antoni Hardonk on November 18, 2006 on short notice. Here is what the newly acquired Miletich Fighting Systems fighter told ADCC News in this quick interview:

ADCC: Sherman before we get into your UFC debut, how did you get involved in mixed-martial-arts (mma)?

SHERMAN: I wrestled in college at Coppin State University and Old Dominion University . Moving on to mixed-martial-arts was a natural progression because I enjoy the competitive nature of the sport.

ADCC: This looks to be your biggest fight in your career thus far. What are you doing differently training wise to ensure you have a successful outcome?

SHERMAN: My debut fight in the UFC is the biggest fight in my career to date. I've been training with MFS (Miletich Fighting Systems) in Iowa since the end of July. Leaving Baltimore and joining the best team and family in mma has enabled me to succeed in the sport.

ADCC: For those who have never seen any of your fights, what can a fan expect when Sherman Pendergarst is in the ring?

SHERMAN: Fans of the UFC and mma can expect an exciting action packed fight.

ADCC: You were scheduled to fight Bryan Vetell in New Jersey on December 9, 2006, but now that has changed and you will be making your UFC debut against Antoni Hardonk on November 18, 2006. Were you already at full speed training and how much notice are you getting for this fight?

SHERMAN: I am taking the fight with Hardonk on 2 weeks notice. Training at MFS, you’re always prepared to fight.

ADCC: How has training at the Miletich Camp been?

SHERMAN: Pat Miletich and the entire MFS camp are preparing me for my UFC debut. Becoming a member of MFS has been the best experience of my life. They have a successful program in place that prepares you for every aspect of a fight. When you’re around the best fighters in the world on a daily basis, you have no choice but to become a better and complete fighter.

ADCC: What do you know about your opponent Hardonk?

SHERMAN: The only information I know about Antoni Hardonk is what we found the past couple of days on the internet. I know he trains at Vos Gym and he has competed in mma and Kickboxing. I expect him to be ready to fight.

ADCC: What is your prediction of this fight?

SHERMAN: My prediction for my UFC debut is that I will win via KO or TKO.

ADCC: Your record currently stands at 7-3 with a unanimous decision loss to Carmelo Marrero. You guys are both in the UFC now and is there any desire in you to fight him again?

SHERMAN: My record is actually 8-3. I won a unanimous decision over Pat Stano on September 23, 2006 in Richmond Virginia . I would love to have the opportunity to fight Carmelo Marrero in the UFC. I have grown so much as a fighter since that fight. I have won 6 of my last 7 fights. Our first fight took place before I joined MFS.

ADCC: Good luck Sherman and do you have anything to say to your fans or sponsors?

SHERMAN: Thank you for the interview. I would also like to thank my family and true friends for their support and sticking by me. I would like to thank the entire MFS camp, my manager Monte Cox and my sponsors Nemesis Fight Gear LLC (www.nemesisfightgear.com) & Vita Coco. Check out my website www.shermanpendergarst.com.