The Hand of Godbeer
Mark is currently unbeaten in his professional MMA career with a record that stands at 7-0 with six of those wins coming via KO or TKO. We caught up with Mark in between training to learn a little bit more about him and find out how his preparation is going for November 20th.
AddictedMMA: Hi Mark and thanks for your time. For our friends in North America and across the world could you briefly tell us a little bit about yourself?
Mark: Hi guys my name is Mark Godbeer. I’m a professional MMA fighter from the South-West of England. I train and fight out of the Trojan Free Fighter's gym in Cheltenham.
AddictedMMA: Next up for you is a Light Heavyweight title shot against Anthony Taylor on the Supremacy FC 4 card. How’s are your preparations for that going?
Mark: My prep is going really well for this fight. I'm training around 4/5 hours a day with some good guys. It also helps that the other guys have big fights coming up around the same time as mine as were all in the same boat and pushing each other to the limit.
AddictedMMA: What are the major advantages of training at Trojan? There are some really good fighters rolling out of there at the moment
Mark: I have a lot of good advantages with training with Trojan. There are some top level guys and some great up and coming fighters at the gym. The good thing is each fighter brings their own style so you get to spar in all areas of MMA.
There is a sparring partner for every style of opponent you come across. My game has improved significantly since being at the Trojan gym. I feel like a new fighter.
AddictedMMA: This fight will see two unbeaten fighters go at it. Anthony is 5-0; you’re 7-0 so someone’s “O” has got to go! Have you devised a plan to ensure it won’t be yours?
Mark: I am working on a plan for this fight and that is to make sure my game is solid in every discipline. I'm happy wherever the fight goes, I feel comfortable in all areas.
Let’s see what Anth's got to offer then the game plan will unfold from there.
AddictedMMA: Between you and Anthony neither of you have had a fight go past the second round. This fight pretty much guarantee’s fireworks and excitement doesn’t it?
Mark: Yeah I believe so, we are both finishers. This is going to be a war and i'm really looking forward to this fight. I've been excited since the match was made. I'm a fighter. Fighting to me is all about proving yourself and it's fights like these where you can get the opportunity to do that.
AddictedMMA: What’s your favourite way to end a fight? Judging by your record it’s got to be KO/TKO? Although there is the odd submission on there!
Mark: To be honest my favourite finish is finishing the fight in the first place. I'm happy with whatever is on offer, whether it is a TKO, KO or a sub but if I had to choose it would be KO.
AddictedMMA: I’ve got to ask about the nickname. Mark “The Hand of” Godbeer! That always makes me chuckle! It’s one of my favourite nicknames in MMA, who came up with that one and what’s the story behind it?
Mark: It was after my first pro fight it came about. I landed a couple of big right hands and was fortunate enough to win the fight via TKO. After the fight my good friend Jon started calling me The Hand. As time went on people started to link it with my name and The Hand of Godbeer came about. I did kind of like it so it stuck.
AddictedMMA: What’s the ultimate aim for you Mark? One of the big North American promotions or have you got other ideas?
Mark: My ultimate aim is to be able to compete at world level and be an entertaining fighter. I would love to eventually sign with one of the largest organisations, but at the moment I think there are some great challenges home here in the UK.
Who knows what's in store. 2012 is going to be an interesting year.
AddictedMMA: Is there any message for Anthony before you square off on the 20th November?
Mark: Come well rounded, come prepared this will be a fight. May the best man win.
AddictedMMA: Is there anybody you’d like to offer thanks to?
Mark: I would like to say thanks to everyone at Trojan for helping me take my game to the next level and prepping me for this fight. I would also like to thank SCI MX and JACO clothing for my sponsors. I'd also like to say thanks to my wife Lisa for her endless support.
AddictedMMA: And our signature question…. What is Mark Godbeer Addicted to?
Mark: Well MMA of course but coffee is my weak point, I just can’t seem to kick it (laughs).
AddictedMMA: Thanks for your time and all the best on the 20th!
Mark: No worries, thanks
Published by Steve Wickett - Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:13
