Matt Buirski Talks MMA Life and EFC 42

Matt Buirski is one of the top names in the EFC and a definite Featherweight title contender. Set to take on Scotsman Daniel Henry at EFC 42 at GrandWest Casino in Cape Town on 8 August, we caught up with the MMA fighter during one of his strength and conditioning training sessions to chat about his career, the upcoming fight and more. See what he had to say:

How old were you when you had your first fight and what was the outcome?
I was 20 years old when I had my first amateur Mauy Thai fight where I took the win by TKO.

Tell us how you got into professional fighting and into the EFC?
After my last amateur bout against Thumisang Madiba at Fightstar 01, where I took the W, I got the opportunity to fight in Cambodia on a professional platform. It was a great opportunity and I was eager to compete on an international level, all round it made for a memorable pro debut. I was approached by EFC, during my camp for Cambodia, and offered the opportunity to fight at EFC 21, I haven’t looked back since.

You have a full time job and have to juggle between your sport and your job. How do you do this and make sure you have enough time to prepare for fights?
Its not an easy Job, basically having two jobs is what I do. It takes tremendous drive and discipline to make sure I’m fully prepared for each bout. It means waking up at 4.30am, not taking part in social activities, and just grinding out each activity in the day. Time management is one of the keys, there won’t be a time you will find me sitting around doing nothing. But at the end of the day I am blessed to run a successful business with my brothers and pursue my hobby at a professional level.

Because of this, how much more different is your training program compared to a full time fighter?
I think the differences would mainly be the time of day we train. I still work with all my coaches; boxing, wrestling, BJJ, MMA and strength and conditioning, I Just do it at 5am and 5pm – 8pm. They are probably getting a lot more rest than me, which is a huge benefit, but this is the path I choose, so I don’t complain about it.

What does an average day for you consist of?
Usually a 4.30am wake up call, then I will head to The Yard Athletic for my strength and conditioning session. I then put in a full days work, and try be at the gym by 5pm, where I try train for 2-3 hours, then head home, food prep, shower, do a little more work and try jump in bed before 11pm. It takes its toll, and that’s why you will see us part time fighters taking a decent amount of time off between bouts.

You will be fighting at EFC 42 against Daniel Henry. How much do you know about this Scottish fighter and his fighting style?
We don’t have much information on Danny, but I expect the worst and prepare like that. I’m sure Danny will bring everything he has on the night.

Explain your camp leading up to this fight and have you changed anything up since your last fight?
Having recently moved over from a corporate company to joining my brothers in a family business, this has been one of my best camps. Nutrition-wise there has been quiet a few changes with my last few fights being at featherweight, my body is healthier and stronger than it has been for any of my previous fights. This is a great improvement and will contribute a great deal to my overall performance on the night.

How do you see this fight going?
I see it being an all out war with my hand being raised in victory!

The EFC Featherweight division is a stacked one. In your opinion, who are some of the most dangerous names in the division?
Obviously Boyd Allen as the titleholder, I probably rate him as the best Pound for Pound fighter in Africa. Then you have guys like Wesley Hawkey, Wade Groth and Brendon Katz, so there is no shortage of talent in the Division.

Who haven’t you fought that you would like to?
I don’t have preference to whom I fight, I usually don’t like fighting guys coming off losses, as I feel it does nothing for me in the division, but when EFC phones I accept the challenge, no matter the name.

Whoever wins the fight between you and Henry will most likely get a shot at the title. What would this mean to you and your career?
It would mean that I have reached the goal that I had set for myself when I entered into this sport five years ago, sitting next to my brother at EFC 01.

Which local and international fighters inspire you?
George St-Pierre because of his work ethic and humbleness, Chad Mendes because he is a beast and TJ Dillashaw because of his creativeness and adaptability.
Locally I’d have to say my two Brothers inspire me, by reminding me everyday that I have what it takes and by being an example through the work ethic that they apply in their daily lives.
I’m a big believer in hard work and never giving up, so anyone who puts in an effort and does not complain inspires me. Guys like Leon Maynhardt, Michiel Opperman and Themba Gorimbo are a couple of the local guys who inspire me by their never say die attitude and determination.

What drives you to do what you do?
My family, and who I was raised to be. I couldn’t have asked for a better drive for success to have been instilled in me from an early age. Growing up with four brothers, being in an all boys school and having a hardworking father as a role model definitely set me up to be the best that I can possibly be at everything that I set my mind to.

Any shout out to family, friends and sponsors?
To all those that have supported me from the start and been so loyal throughout my career!
Shout out to my sponsors; Zash from Aqua Vita, Dustin from Skullcandy, Scott from The Yard Athletic, Joey from ONNIT, Dale from RDM Logistics, Gian Carlo form AirClima and all my coaches; Warren, Jacques, Sebastian and Rory that put in the endless hours with me through the year to make sure that I am in top form. I couldn’t do it without you.
Last but not least is my beautiful Fiancé, who has been there from the start of my MMA Journey. Playing chef, psychologist, alarm and inspiring me to achieve my goals, you truly are my rock.

Finally, any words for Henry before you step into the hexagon on fight night?
I will leave my talking for the hexagon.

Photos: Neil and Terry from Hotlens Photographic (website)
Venue: The Yard Athletic