PhyteGuru: Being a referee is a tough job. You have to put up with early stoppages, late stoppages, and of course the crowd. Why continue to be a referee?

TM: I love it. It’s work, but it’s exposure for me and I’m doing what I love. There is nothing greater than two guys battling to see who is better. Oh, and not to mention I get to be on TV.

PhyteGuru: What is the best fight you’ve ever refereed?

TM: This is a really tough one because I’ve refereed so many fights. I’d have to go with Brian Green vs Mike Van Meer. The guys actually had bad blood before the fight and Van Meer was taking it to him before Green was able to sumbit him in the 3rd. Green was smiling through every punch even though you know he was hurt.

PhyteGuru: What is the biggest rule you have to enforce as a referee?

TM: Strikes to the back of the head for sure. This is one I warn them about in the pre-fight meeting, then again while they are in their corners right before the match starts. It’s a hard one though because a lot of guys turn their head into it because they don’t want to get punched in the face. I always keep a close eye on strikes to the back of the head.

PhyteGuru: Who do you look up to as far as other referees?

TM: Steve Mazzagatti. He does a really good job and doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. I’ve actually talked with him quite a bit for advise.

PhyteGuru: Are there any referees that you aren’t so fond of?

TM: Yves Levigne. I feel he’s made some really bad calls.

PhyteGuru: “Big” John McCarthy has “Let’s get it on, C’mon!” as his starting phrase. Have you coined yourself a fight opener yet?

TM: I usually just say, “Are you ready?, Are you ready? Lets go!”

PhyteGuru: As a referee, you need to know what kind of position your fighters are in. Do you train at any academies?

TM: I have had a handfull of fights myself, so I know what hurts and what doesn’t. I trained at the Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy for quite a long time. I haven’t been going as much as I used to but I’d definitely like to get back. I learned a lot while I was there and have seen everything so I know what to expect.

PhyteGuru: Do you think knees to the head should be illegal or legal?

TM: They should be legal as long as they are not to the back of the head. A fight is a fight and knees should be considered a weapon just like the hands are.

PhyteGuru: Who are some local fighters we should keep an eye on?

TM: Demi “The Public Enemy” Deeds, TJ “The Spider” O’Brien, Timmy “The Psycho” Gorman, and Paul “The Gingerbread Man” Bird.

PhyteGuru: Who are your favorite fighters to watch?

TM: Matt Hughes, Jason “Mayhem” Miller, Jeremy “Lil’ Heathen” Stephens, Josh “The Dentist” Neer, “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler, and Drew McFedries

PhyteGuru: BJ Penn or Sean Sherk?

TM: Sherk for sure by a decision though

PhyteGuru: Thanks for taking a few minutes. Anyone you’d like to thank?

TM: I don’t have any sponsors at the moment, but if anyone is interested, please let me know!

PhyteGuru: Thanks for taking a few minutes, how is training going for your upcoming fight against Zac Cummings (1-0)?

VM: Everything is great, I am at the Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy right now. I’ve been doing a LOT of cardio, sprints and endurance running during the day and from 6-8pm, I’ve been at the academy doing whatever drills are scheduled that day.

PhyteGuru: Who have you been training with?

VM: Jeremy Stephens, Brian Green, John Halverson, Doug Onstott, Anthony Porcelli, Josh Neer, Jesmin (Iowa Wrestler) and Grant Turner (Iowa State Wrestler). I needed some help with my wrestling, so those guys have been helping out a lot.

PhyteGuru: What is your preperation/gameplan like for this fight?

VM: Definitely to push the pace. I used to always be a counter-fighter but this time I want to step up the intensity and take advantage of him getting tired instead. I shed 25 pounds pretty easily before I even had to cut weight. I am in great shape.

PhyteGuru: Who is your favorite fighter?

VM: Myself!

PhyteGuru: Who is the best pound for pound fighter in the world?

VM: George St. Pierre. He dominates and beats guys at their own game (Hughes/Koscheck) even when he doesn’t have to.

PhyteGuru: Out of all of your losses, which one would you like to get back the most?

VM: Shane Wessels. He got me in an ankle lock. I didn’t train very much. It would have been a good time for anyone to get a win over me. I’m still not happy with that loss.

PhyteGuru: Who is the best up-and-coming fighter from your camp?

VM: Me. Everyone has gotten a chance in the big shows but me. I have a lot of wins and have won 6 out of my last 7. After two more wins, we’ll see where I stand.

PhyteGuru: BJ Penn or Sean Sherk?

VM: BJ will smash Sherk, anyone wanna bet?

PhyteGuru: Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel or Jessica Simpson?

VM: Jessica Simpson

PhyteGuru: Thanks for taking a few minutes to speak with me. Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

VM: Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy, Bogies Pub, TakeDown Radio, Auto-Outlet, 515 Built, The Twisted Parrot and DRINK.

Be sure to catch Victor’s next fight April 25th at KGGO Buccaneers Arena when he headlines the Midwest Cage Championship.