Sid Needelman Reporting…
MMANews got an exlusive sit down with David Bielkheden who recently took on TUF star Diego Sanchez while he was in Miami Florida visiting friends and meeting with his agent, David Gottesmann. He gives us some exclusive thoughts on the members and former members of BTT, being Jewish and his next fight in the UFC. Below is a picture from his trip with his agent.
MMANEWS: Your most recent fight was one you took in the UFC on short notice
against Diego Sanchez on March 1st 2008. Just how much notice did you
get for that fight?
David Bielkheden: I took the fight on about 4 weeks notice.
MMANEWS: Did the UFC give you any indication that they would recognize you
jumping in on short notice and would likely invite you back again win
or lose if you put on a tough fight?
David Bielkheden: Yes, I signed a 4 fight deal with the UFC.
MMANEWS: Where are you training these days, and how often do you get to
train with the Brazilian Top Team who you are listed as part of the
team?
David Bielkheden: I train 10 sessions a week in Sweden. Then 6-8 weeks before a fight I
go to Brazil to train with Murilo Bustamante, Luiz “Buscape” Firmino,
Rousimar “Toquino” Palhares, Milton Vieira, and Vitor Pimenta.
MMANEWS: With BTT losing some notable members in the last decade, which four
fighters do you wish were still part of the team and available to work
with?
David Bielkheden: The Nogueira brothers, Paulo Filho, and Mario Sperry.
MMANEWS: You have fought in Europe, Japan and in the USA, which side of the
globe do you find you have the most receptive audience? And are you
glad you got to fight in Pride FC before the promotion went under?
David Bielkheden: My biggest fans are in Europe. Yes, I was very happy to fight in
PRIDE. It was bigger than the UFC, it was the biggest show at that
time, and it was a dream of mine and a goal that I achieved. I am very
proud of that.
MMANEWS: You are Jewish and proud of your heritage and do not keep your
faith hidden. Have you ever felt any anti-Semitism while your travels
as a fighter or a person?
David Bielkheden: No, not many people know I am Jewish. But, I am very proud of my
Jewish heritage. I like my new knickname, “The Hebrew Hammer.”
MMANEWS: Would you take a fight on Yom Kippur [Jewish High Holiday]? And can
you name the famous athlete who refused to do so?
David Bielkheden: No, I would not take a fight on Yom Kippur. Any other day I would
fight, but not on Yom Kippur. I know two baseball players who refused
to play on Yom Kippur; Sandy Koufax and Shawn Green. I have heard of a
Jewish boxer Dimitry Salida. I believe they call him the “Kosher Kid.”
I am sure he would not take a fight on Yom Kippur either.
MMANEWS: I believe your next fight is for the UFC. Name a few fighters you
would want to fight and why.
David Bielkheden: I would like to fight BJ Penn because he is the best. I would also
like to fight Diego again. But, he is not in the same weight class as
I am now dropping down from 170 lbs. to 155 lbs. Before I quit I want
to fight him again. I would also like to fight Tyson Griffin at 155
because he is also one of the best.
MMANEWS: Of the fighters you mentioned, which one of them is the most likely
for you to be matched against?
David Bielkheden: Tyson Griffin
MMANEWS: Do you know which event card you will likely end up on next?
David Bielkheden: I don't know yet. But, it will be after the summer in the UFC.
MMANEWS: Do you have anyone you would want to thank?
David Bielkheden: Yes, I would like to thank Flygpoolen, Premier Fighter, BTT, my agent
David Gottesmann from DG Sports Agency, my family and friends for
their support, Hilti BJJ Academy, and World Nutrition Technologies.
