Interview with Marcin “Tybur” Tybura, the First Ever UFC Heavyweight Fight in Manila

1. Can you tell us first about your educational background – What's your master’s degree in? What factors helped you decide to pursue a career in fighting instead?

I have a master’s degree in Physical Education. I studied in Uniwersytet Lodzki in Central Poland for about 5 years. Actually, I was already practicing martial arts before I started studying physical education and I decided to pursue my degree because I thought maybe I can be teacher in the sport one day.

2. Please give a quick summary of your career highlights, just to give Filipino fans a picture of who you are.

Before I signed with UFC, I was competing in M-1 Global in Russia. I was the champion of their Heavyweight division. I also have a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and was a silver medalist in the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu tournament. In my 16 professional fights, I’ve fought a lot in Russia and even in Beijing, China.

3. What kind of fighter are you? What kind of fight can fans expect you to bring?

Before I was more of a ground fighter because of my background in jiu-jitsu and a lot of my fights were finished by submission, but all throughout my career in both amateur and professional, I’ve worked on my stand-up and striking. So I think I am equal in both of them. I’ve never had a competition in a particular striking tournament but now I feel I can fight standing up and exchange punches with any fighter in mixed martial arts.

Side Question: What kind of fight can fans expect you to bring against Derrick Lewis

I think it will be a quick fight. It won’t go to the decision with both our styles. We both like finishing our fights so I think after the 1st round, there will be a knockout or submission.

4. How has training been going so far?

We’ve been preparing to not let him reach my chin because that’s the biggest problem. Since my last fight, I got a new striking coach in my team and it’s been going pretty well. I’ve been learning how to defend and how to out strike him.

5. What are you most concerned about when facing a fighter like Derrick Lewis?

I think his biggest weapon is his striking. He knows how to knock out people, he’s aggressive in the fight, he pushes forward, and a lot of fighters have trouble with how he throws so many punches. They’re not very technical but they’re very heavy, he hits fast and it’s hard to defend.

Side Question: Additional thoughts on Derrick Lewis

I’m excited to face him because I see it as a chance for me to go up to a higher level. I like hard work and preparing for this fight is giving me this opportunity to work really hard because he’s a smart guy, he’s very aggressive and he punches well. Facing a guy like him, who finishes his opponents, it is a great opportunity for me to show it won’t be easy for him this time.

6. Derrick is known as The Black Beast. That's a pretty scary name. What does Tybur mean?

Yes, it is (reference to “The Black Beast”). Tybur doesn’t mean anything. It’s just a short version of my last name. I’ve been called that since I was 16 years old and even in college. So it’s still going on now.

7. We've seen a surge of many European fighters take over UFC. You have your fellow countryladies, Joanna and Karolina, and now many see you as the next big Polish sensation. How do you feel about that?

I try not to think about it. Every mixed martial artist dreams about fighting in UFC and now I’m here to do my best. Of course, my goal is to be a champion but I don’t think about what people expect from me. I think about doing my best to get to the highest level.

Side Question: What are your thoughts on being in the first UFC Heavyweight fight in Manila?

The first, really? Wow, I didn’t know that. It’s nice. I know Asian people like seeing big boys fight so I’m hoping they will enjoy the fight.

Side Question: Will this be your first time in Manila?

Yes.

8. What are your thoughts BJ Penn coming out of retirement? How do you feel fighting in the same card as him?

I’m a fan of his. I’ve followed his career and I got to meet him once in my life. It’s a pleasure to be on the same card as him. I’m not judging anyone. Every fighter has a desire to be in the Octagon, that’s why you see a lot of fighters retiring and then coming back. I know how it feels to be inside the Octagon and I’m not judging him for wanting to come back and feel that again. I’m hoping he does great in his fight.

Side Question: Who are you picking to win the main event?

Lamas is a good fighter and that makes it hard to pick the winner but I will support BJ Penn.

Side Question: You mentioned earlier you want to be the UFC champion. Do you have a timeline for yourself?

I think it’s happening sooner than I expected. I didn’t think after my last win I would get to fight highly-ranked fighter like Derrick Lewis. I don’t have a particular date, but I’m taking this step-by-step and so far it’s been going pretty well. I have an opportunity to get to the Top 10.

Side Question: If the cards fall into place, who would you want to fight next?

If I win, I hope to fight another highly ranked fighter because for me, in my mind, it’s better when I’m the underdog in the fight. This time I am and I feel great, and I hope my next fight will be the same.

Side Question: Thoughts on pre-fight trash talk?

I’m not changing. I think Derrick might be more aggressive before the fight or even at weigh-ins. He may go trash talk or something but I don’t mind it. I don’t do it because maybe I’m not good at that. (LOL). It’s always better for me to fight and do my job. I don’t have to use my power to be aggressive right now. I’m just waiting, doing my job and then I wait for the bell to show my best.