The MMA Digest

UFC middleweight turned welterweight Mike Swick not only can take you out in the cage, but also on the felt of poker tables. The San Jose native is an avid poker player and cashed in a $2,000 buy-in tourney at this years World Series of Poker. He took some bad beats in the tournament but will likely return the favor by doling out some bads beats of his own at in the 170 pound weight class.

www.mikeswick.com

When do you usually get to play?

Mostly I use poker to get my mind off of fighting, if I’m getting ready for a fight it relaxes me and gets my mind focused and kind of keeps me away from the stress of the fight.

What are some similarities between fighting and poker?

They’re both thinking games, when you’re fighting it’s kind of like kinetic chess. I’m reacting to what my opponent is going to do next.

Where do you play?

Usually the good thing is that all the fights take place in casinos and around casinos, so there are always poker rooms around.

What’s your style?

I’m a jackal. I change my style throughout the entire game so it’s kind of hard to follow what I’m going to do next. I don’t have a specific strategy for every single game.