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 Fighter profile of Connor Pye by Throwdown Fights: Tell us about your last fight with Chris Matthews.
Connor Pye: Man... I have to be honest. Before the fight I thought Chris Matthews was a total bitch. I mean, look at him! Short, flabby and dopey looking. To his credit though, he won fair and square over three rounds. I'm disappointed obviously, but the way I see it, I wasn't knocked out and I wasn't subbed. Five rounds and it probably would have gone my way. Full credit to Matthews, he earned a little respect. A little...
TDF: It seems like the fight was won on the ground. Is that where you wanted to be, or would you rather it have been standing?
Pye: I come from a karate background. Been training ever since I was a kid. So for the last ten years my life has been "Kick, punch, kick, punch. Do a friggin' kata." I wanted to prove to myself I'd evolved past that and that I could mix it on the ground. Well, I survived a few sub attempts but my ground game is still lousy. It was a tough way to learn that lesson. I'll definitely be using my strikes more next time, my old sensei will be proud. (Laughs.)
TDF: Is there anything in your training that you're going to be changing?
Pye: I'm pretty happy with my gameplan. As I said I'll be tweaking it a little to show off my stand up skills. My round kick is pretty lethal. But my focus right now is just on lifting every single day.
TDF: What are your views on the Middleweight division (185 lbs) in Throwdown Fights?
Pye: I signed to Throwdown because I saw a bunch of punks who needed to be taught a lesson. There are no real stand outs in my eyes. My youth is really going to shake up the division once I start winning fights. The best is probably Antonio DeLuca, who will probably the inaugural middleweight champ... But the moment I get my title shot I'll be holding onto that belt for a while.
TDF: With multiple fighters out in St. Petersburg, would you travel out there for a fight if asked?
Pye: I'm from Australia and it was a pretty big deal for me to move out to NY to pursue my dream. I'm only 18 and this city eats you alive, man. But one thing for sure is that I've gotten used to cold weather and cold women here. I think Russia would just be more of the same. If it means more fights then I'm up for it. Cash is tight right now though, so hopefully I can get a sponsor to help me keep living my dream.
TDF: Having fought Chris Matthews, whats your prediction for his fight next week against Antonio DeLuca?
Pye: Chris Matthews strategy is basically foreplay. Lay on their chest, rub them a bit and see what happens. As long as Deluca keeps it standing and doesn't try anything stupid, he's got it in the bag. DeLuca winning would be better for Throwdown in general. Matthews is a journeyman, not a star.
TDF: Any last words?
Pye: Just want to send some appreciation to my manager, Kayne Dewhurst. If anyone is keen on sponsoring a future superstar, that's me, please contact my management. We'd love to hear from you.
TDF: Thanks for joining us for this interview.
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