Written by Scott Swerbinsky

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Tommy Speer was considered to be a sleeper on season 6 of The Ultimate Fighter reality show. He lived up to expectations and then some. "The Farmboy" made it to the finals and eventually lost to Mac Danzig.  Next up for Speer is a fight on April 2nd's Ultimate Fight Night card where he'll step into the octagon with Anthony Johnson. My cuz recently had the chance to catch up with Tommy and discuss the upcoming fight and a few other things. Tommy Speer was considered to be a sleeper on season 6 of The Ultimate Fighter reality show. He lived up to expectations and then some. "The Farmboy" made it to the finals and eventually lost to Mac Danzig.

Next up for Speer is a fight on April 2^nd's Ultimate Fight Night card where he'll step into the octagon with Anthony Johnson. I recently had the chance to catch up with Tommy and discuss the upcoming fight and a few other things.

SS: Thanks for finding the time Tommy.

TS: No problem.

SS: Tell our readers how you got into mixed martial arts?

TS: Growing up I saw the events on pay per view. I was always very competitive, playing college football and wrestling. I went to a local show in Minnesota and thought I love the attention these guys are getting. I saw some of the guys fighting and said to myself, I can beat these guys up. I ended up dropping out of college to fight after that.

SS: Who are some the fighters you're training with now?

TS: A lot of great fighters and hard workers. Matt Hughes, Robbie Lawler, Clay French, a bunch of solid all around guys.

SS: What are the main things you're focusing on during training?

TS: Honestly, being on The Ultimate Fighter taught me how good I wasn't. I need to work off my back more and be more technical. I work on all parts of my game, wrestling jiu-jitsu, and striking. I want to compete at the highest level and need to be well rounded.

SS: What are your long term goals in the sport?

TS: This will sound stupid, but I want to make enough money to pay off my family's farm debt. My parents were great to me and feel that's what I can do to repay them. Other than that, I want to climb the ladder, become a ranked fighter, and then become champion of the world.

SS: You lost a tough one to Mac, are you preparing different or putting more pressure on yourself after a loss like that?

TS: I like the situation I'm in right now. My next fight is the first one of the night. When I lost to Mac, I was pretty upset with myself. I let the hype get to me. I was anxious and folded under the pressure. Going into this next fight, I'll be more prepared and more mature.

SS: You've got Anthony Johnson on April 2^nd, what do you know about him and how are you preparing?

TS: I know he's taller than me and has a long reach. He has knockout power in his right hand and is a good wrestler. He's going to bring lots of energy and it might be tough to stand with him.

SS: Well Tommy, I look forward to the upcoming fight and wish you much success in your UFC career.

TS; Thanks a lot, I appreciate it.