Chris
Lytle was the runner up on season 4 of The Ultimate Fighter: The
Comeback. He lost a hotly debated decision to recent UFC welterweight
champion, Matt Serra in the finals. Since his time on the show Chris
has been improving with every fight, winning his last fight over Kyle
Bradley at UFC 81 by TKO is just 33 seconds. Chris Lytle takes on the
ever improving welterweight Josh Koscheck at UFC 86 on July 5th.
Dave Franklin: We
just started the 7th season of The Ultimate Fighter. What do you think
the series has done for the sport and for the UFC?
Chris Lytle: It's
help make the sport into a household name. A free weekly show is like
showing thousands of commercials for the sport. Lots of
exposure and people love to watch it.
DF: You gained a
lot of recognition on TUF 4, tell us about your choice to go on the
show and your time in the house?
CL: It wasn't much
of a choice, I jumped at the offer. I don't usually get that type of
training opportunity and ability to dedicate that
much time to fighting so it was a no brainer.
DF: In the finals,
the judges had you losing a close decision. Many fans have argued that
you should have got the win. After re-watching the
fight, do you agree with the judge’s decision?
CL: You know I don't
agree but I understand it's very subjective. It totally depends on
what each judge is looking for. One judge gave me
all three rounds. Another gave Serra all three. You don't really know.
Serra and I knew how to nullify each other from training together for
so long and that make for a close fight.
DF: Were you shocked
when Matt Serra defeated Georges St. Pierre to take the welterweight
title?
CL: Not as shocked
as most. I knew how good he was and that he had a great chance. Most
thought GSP was unstoppable and nobody in this sport
is.
DF: Can Serra do
it again?
CL: Once again, he
has a good chance, better than most think. It's not a good matchup
for GSP. He now knows that Serra has power in his hands
and if GSP takes him down, Serra is one of the best in the world off
his back.
DF: Do you want a re-match with Matt Serra?
CL: It depends on
what’s on the line. If it's for the title than
hell ya. If not, than no. He's still a friend and I want him to win all
his fights. Unless it really benefits one of us, I'll just fight someone
else.
DF: The welterweight division is probably the deepest in the UFC if
not all of MMA. Where do you think you stand in the division?
CL: We will find
the answer to that on July 5th because words mean nothing. Only actions.
DF: At UFC 86 in
July, you are facing another top welterweight in Josh Koscheck. How
did this fight come about? Did you ask for it?
CL: I didn't ask
for it but I jumped at the offer. I always love to test myself against
the top fighters.
DF: Josh Koscheck
is best known for his wrestling including his vicious takedowns. Recently
he has showed quite a bit of improvement in his
stand-up. What is your take on him and how are you preparing?
CL: He's become a
true MMA fighter and is actually good in all aspects. I have to train
in all areas for this fight.
DF: I know fighters
don’t like to look past opponents, but what
is next for Chris Lytle?
CL: Whatever they
want. I'm just excited to fight anyone right now.
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