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The Wolfpack's Lightweight position is occupied by Team Quest fighter Ryan Schultz. Although Schultz is considered one
of the most exciting Lightweights to watch clash in competition, fighting wasn't Schultz original life-plan. As a wrestler at The University of Nebraska, a friend of his signed him up for an MMA event over the internet in North Dakota, and Schultz followed through with less than one month to
prepare. "I
really had no plans on pursuing this sport." But when his opponent was left on the canvas within one minute of the first round The Lion was born - with his first KO. Schultz is now no stranger to the big stage as a long-time Sportfight competitor, actually fighting in Sportfight 1 in February, 2004. His career as taken him to the stages of Super Brawl, Rumble on the Rock, APEX, and beyond, now with The IFL fighting for Matt Lindland, who was once one of Schultz' coaches at the University of Nebraska. His opponent June 1st at The Everett Event Center is the 8 - 4 Savant Young of the Tokyo Sabres who is undefeated in The IFL at 2 - 0.
NWFS: How old were you when you started wrestling? What inspired you to
start?
Ryan Schultz: I was in second grade, my father introduced me to the sport.
NWFS: Is it a coincidence that Matt Lindland coached you at the University of
Nebraska, and now you fight for him in Portland, or was that by design?
Schultz: I am not sure but it is funny how things come about in life.
NWFS: I noticed at Sportfight 19 at The Rose Garden that you seem to be taking on a significant leadership role with the team as of late.
Would that be an accurate assessment?
Schultz: I try to lead by example but I feel all of us have great leadership qualities. I
don't mind taking the lead role if it helps the team.
NWFS: In April, you beat
Joe Sampieri in Connecticut by Unanimous Decision.
It must have been nice to get back into action! How did you feel about the fight? How did you feel IN the fight?
Schultz: It felt great to fight again. I felt good during the fight, it was a really safe performance because their commission was watching really hard due to the knockout in December.
NWFS:
You've fought some damn tough competitors haven't you? Looking at your record reminds me of how deep your division is. What are your thoughts on your division within The
IFL?
Schultz: I think The IFL has some of the best lightweights in the game today.
NWFS: Next up is Savant Young, who
hasn't lost in The IFL yet. What are your thoughts on how that match-up should play out?
Schultz: I will have my hand raised at the end of the fight. He is tough but I feel that I am a better fighter than he is, and I see the fight going my
way.
NWFS: That will be nice to fight so close to home, with your Northwest fans behind you again. Is this your first pro fight in Washington?
Schultz: No. I fought there a long time ago early in my career on one of Dennis
Hallman's shows.
NWFS: What are your goals in mixed martial
arts?
Schultz: I want to be the best fighter. I want to fight all of
the best competitors in my weight class.
NWFS: Who are your favorite fighters to watch?
Schultz: Of course I love to watch Matt Lindland, Dan Henderson, and Randy [Couture]. I also really like the way [Mauricio] Shogun [Rua] fights. There is many more, because fighting is so exciting and multi-faceted.
NWFS: Any shout-outs?
Schultz: I just want to say hi to all the fans and that I appreciate them and all they bring to the sport.
NWFS: Best of luck on the 1st Ryan, see you there. Thanks for the interview!
Schultz: Thank you and I will be there.
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