Getting to Know Sean O'Haire
By: Marco Antico
Source: mmafighting.com

MA: Sean, I sense a buzz about you that normally doesn’t exist for fighters after only one fight. I think people are excited at the prospect of a pro wrestler making the transition to MMA. Do you think this gives you a running start at building up your reputation in the sport?

SO: Well, I hope so (chuckling). I was on TV. Many wrestling fans recognize my name and many wrestling fans are MMA fans. So if that helps me, great!

MA: On the flip side, do you think there are people out there that are going to be suspicious because of your experience at executing pre-determined pro wrestling fights.

SO: Oh ya, of course. But, once they see me in the ring I think any doubts they have are going to go right out the window.

MA: There have been internet rumors that you may be fighting LeBanner or Fujita on the K-1 NYE show. Care to comment?

SO: I don’t think there’s any substance to that at all. I think some people got excited after watching me knockout Oyama at Rumble on the Rock and started talking about that. But, to my knowledge there’s nothing to those rumors.

MA: Do you know what’s next for you?

SO: Nothing signed right now. My management is in negotiations with one of the big promotions though.

MA: Hypothetically speaking of course (pause), if that organization was K-1, would you like to compete in MMA or kickboxing?

SO: I prefer MMA.

MA: Why MMA and why professional fighting in general?

SO: Oh man, I’ve been fighting for the longest time! I’ve fought in Georgia in Toughman competitions and in some other local shows. Basically, where ever I could get a fight I was there.

MA: MMA is quite the leap from shows like Toughman of course. What are you doing to sharpen your MMA skills?

SO: I train at the Shark Tank will Eddy Millis. That’s in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Mighty Mo is there with us. My background is in Thai Boxing. I’m now trying to focus on my wrestling and submissions.

MA: Why’d you cut your hair?

SO: Uhm, because I was tired of looking like a male stripper?

MA: (laughing) Ya, I guess you did have that Fabio/Patrick Swayze kind of look going on.

SO: Never again am I ever going to have long hair. I hated it! I needed to change my image when I went to the WWE so that’s what I did it.

MA: What pays better, wrestling or MMA?

SO: If you’re one of the top guys in wrestling you’ve got the potential to make a lot of money. As for my professional wrestling career, I’d say that I was popular but never famous. MMA has the potential to pay well too so I’d say they’re pretty similar in pay.

MA: Are there any MMA athletes that you try and model yourself after?

SO: Ken Shamrock for sure. I had the pleasure of meeting him and watching him train with Guy Mezger for the UFC 50 fight. What a shame that was what happened to Guy. Ken’s precision of doing things really impressed me. His technique seemed flawless. I’d also have to say I admire Tito Ortiz for the intensity he brings with him into the ring.

MA: Those are quite the polar opposites of role models, but I think you explained it very well. OK, here are my “Getting to Know” questions I’ve been asking all the fighters.

SO: Shoot.

1) WHICH CDs ARE MOST OFTEN IN YOUR CD PLAYER?

SO: House of Pain, Stone Temple Pilots, Audioslave, Soundgarden.

2) WHAT DVDs HAVE YOU PURCHASED LATELY?

SO: Boondock Saints and Natural Born Killers

3) ON A SCALE OF 1 to 10, RATE YOUR COOKING ABILITIES

SO: Uhm, a minus 3 (chuckling)

MA: Wow, I don’t think there’s been one fighter that’s rated themselves above a 5. But, you’re the first negative I’ve heard!

4) DID YOU IMAGINE YOURSELF DOING WHAT YOUR DOING NOW?

SO: Yes. It’s been the natural progression of what I’ve been doing.

5) FAVOURITE SPORT/HOBBY ASIDE FROM MMA

SO: I watch a lot of movies. I also like to read a lot.

MA: There are some members of MMAFighting that are big on books. Sadly, I’m not one of them. I’ve never read a book I wasn’t forced to. But, for them I’ll ask the question of what book have you read last?

SO: It was a great book called Shibuni, about the world’s greatest assassin.

6) WHAT TIME DO YOU GO TO BED AT NIGHT?

SO: Hmm, probably 2am.

7) FAVOURITE ALCOHOL?

SO: Crown and seven.

8) WHAT WAS THE FIRST NICK NAME ANYONE EVER GAVE YOU?

SO: ”DOC” as in Doctor Jykle and Mr. Hyde.

9) IF YOU COULD HAVE A 10 MINUTE CONVERSATION WITH ANY HISTORICAL OR PRESENT FIGURE WHO WOULD IT BE?

SO: (thinking for a moment) I’d say Julius Caesar. I think it was interesting how he had ambitions to take over the world. (pause) Actually no, can I change that? I’ll say Machiavelli. I read the book called “The Prince” about him. It was fascinating to learn about his thought process and how someone so intelligent could be so seemingly evil and sway society the way he did. “How’d this guy think this shit up?” I kept thinking to myself, “what a sadistic $&%!”. (laughing)

10) WHO DO YOU THINK IS THE HOTTEST CELEBRITY IN HOLLYWOOD?

SO: (without a moment’s hesitation) Milla Jovovich!

MA: (laughing) you know what? Every fighter I ask about historical figures pauses and thinks a few moments before coming up with an answer. When I ask about hot women they always have an answer ready on the tip of their tongues.

SO: haha, is that right?

MA: I guess guys are all the same eh? Anyway Sean, you’re an exciting fighter, you’ve got name recognition and you seem like one hell of a nice guy. I thank you very much for your time and I certainly wish you continued success in your MMA career.

SO: Thanks very much! No problem at all Marco. It was a pleasure talking with you.