Q&A with Chad Robichaux

By AJ Hoffman

1. Talk about how it felt to get back in the win column at the last Legacy show.

Man, it feels really great. I had won for a long time, over ten years, but I lose in the academy every day. That’s what it’s like when you train hard, but it really did hurt to suffer a loss to someone I knew I could beat in that Mackles bout. To get back out there and do my thing, I felt redeemed.

2. Do you feel like that win silenced some of your critics, making such quick work of a UFC veteran?

You know, Draculino says it best. If you have critics, you’re doing something right. So, they will always be there. When you’re winning, someone always wants you to lose.  Yes, I’ve fought some tough guys. I’m 14-2, with 13 submissions and 11 in round 1.  I won in Strikeforce, and I’ve beaten UFC and WEC veterans.  I’m a complete fighter with all the skills to be #1 in the world.  In time, my critics have slowly become supporters and I’m thankful for that.

3. Did the exposure on HDNet help you guys get some attention for the Mighty Oaks Foundation?

It did, thank God, along with Mick Maynard, and the great folks at HDNet for that. We had so many emails of people thanking us for what we are doing, and because of the story, we were able to get the message out to several warriors who truly need help and will be coming to our programs.

4. You had planned on taking some time off, but then the opportunity for a title shot came up. If it wasn’t a title shot, would you be resting up still?

No, the plan was to get right back to training after the Sandoval fight. We knew the fight would either get me a UFC bout or a Legacy Title Fight. Either was a place we were ready and willing to take for our next step.

5. Talk about the matchup with Will Campuzano. What threats do you think he poses?

Will is a tough guy, but honestly, I feel I am a terrible match-up stylistically for him. Where he is right now, I think taking this fight is a mistake for him, as it will be a setback in his career.  I’m training hard and respecting him as a skilled athlete, but I don’t feel threatened at all by him, and feel I will dismantle his strengths from the beginning until the win. This is a great match up for me, and we are extremely confident in a win.

6. Is this like a fresh start for you? After announcing your retirement, you have quickly jumped right back into the fire. Do you think you just needed a mental break?

Yes, the old me is still retired. I’m a new fighter (1-0). I feel I’m growing in skill and conditioning every day, getting better and better. You still have yet to see the skills I have developed from my work with my new coaches.  Also, I am moving forward with a new purpose and on a mission to continue winning and continue spreading the message for Wounded Warriors and God’s work in our ministry.

7. You said after your win that you thought you were one of the top 125′ers in the world. Do you believe that, and do you still have UFC aspirations?

Yes, I do. If you are in this sport and don’t have aspirations of fighting in the UFC, then you aren’t looking to challenge yourself and fight the very best. That is where the best 125′ers in the world are, and I know I belong there. On July 13^th, I plan to prove it by putting an exclamation mark on that statement. “I am one of the top 125′ers in the world, and I challenge anyone to prove me wrong!”

8. Thanks for the time Chad. Look forward to seeing you in there again.

Thanks AJ!