In the fight business, it can be really hard to land an interview with a fighter. These are busy men and women always travelling and training and they can only accept so many interviews. It’s often a case of first come, first serve. Zach “Fun Size” Makovsky was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions I had for him.
Makovsky (15-4 in MMA) was Bellator MMA’s first ever bantamweight champion and boasts a 6-2 record under the promotion. After being unexpectedly released from the promotion, Zach made the drop to flyweight. Most recently, he defeated Claudio Ledesma on May 11 of this year. Zach and I discussed his time with Bellator, his move to flyweight and his future. Here’s a look at the interview:
What does it mean to you to be Bellator’s first ever bantamweight champion?
Zach Makovsky: It means a lot. That was the first time I got to fight on a national stage with my fights being televised and winning a tournament where eight people all start with the same chance to come out on top and being the last one standing so to speak is pretty special.
Possessing a solid 6-2 record under the promotion, were you surprised at all that you were cut after only two consecutive losses?
Makovsky: I was surprised to be released. I was just coming off losing the title and lost a split decision in what was not my best performance and got released. I think it had more to do with them not being able to keep me active enough. I had a clause added in my contract obligating them to give me 3 fights every 14 months and I guess that was too often. The thing about Bellator is that if they aren’t running a tournament in your weight class then you are not going to be fighting often.
What was the main factor that prompted your move to flyweight?
Makovsky: I have always been a small bantamweight and my last 3 opponents at that weight walk around about 165+ pounds. I weigh 145 regularly so it was becoming a factor. I guess it comes down to the fact that people are getting better and more scientific when it comes to cutting weight. The sport was evolving and I felt that if I wanted to compete at the highest levels of MMA I needed to evolve too. That coupled with the fact that the UFC had just added a flyweight division, giving the weight class more publicity and more fighters wanting to compete there.
How much did the weight cut effect you in your flyweight debut?
Makovsky: I felt pretty good in my flyweight debut. The weight cut was hard but not too terrible. I was very disciplined with my diet for 3 weeks leading to the fight and the cut went relatively smoothly. I would say it is definitely the best weight class for me.
How close do you feel you are from receiving a call from the UFC?
Makovsky: I honestly feel that I am very close and will be ready when they do call. Until then I plan on getting better and winning fights.
If you could fight anyone in the UFC flyweight division, who would it be and why?
Makovsky: I’m not sure that there is anyone in particular I would choose to fight. If I had to pick I would say Demetrious (Johnson) simply because he’s the best right now.
How do you feel you would stack up against current UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson? What game plan would you use in a fight against “Mighty Mouse”?
Makovsky: He’s very well rounded. I think he’s the fastest fighter in the sport and has some of the best conditioning. I guess I will have to figure out a way to slow him down.
Finally, what is next for Zach Makovsky? (Do you have a fight scheduled, your immediate goals, etc.).
Makovsky: I had a fight scheduled for October against CFFC Flyweight champ Sean Santella for the title but unfortunately he sustained an injury and needed surgery so I’m looking for a fight somewhere…hopefully soon.
Again, I’d like to thank Zach for taking the times to answer the questions I had for him. One could expect that fans will get to see this former world champion on the world’s biggest stage in MMA sooner rather than later. Give Zach a Follow on Twitter @zachfunsize
Thanks for reading, you can follow me on Twitter – @GetEducatedMMA. Give the site a follow while you’re at it – @lastwordonsport.
Remember to check out Hammer MMA Radio on 93.3CFMU or find their latest episodes on our main page’s sidebar. Hammer Radio features interviews from some of the industry’s biggest stars. You can find the latest on the Hammer @SteveJeffery
Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? Find more info at our “Join Our Team” page.
