Josh “The Beast” Bryant
Fighting out of: Tulsa, OK Absolute Combat Alliance

Josh “The Beast” Bryant is one of the newest cast members of the UFC’s latest installment of The Ultimate Fighter, Season 11. He’s a young, up-and-coming fighter out of Tulsa, OK who has a strong wrestling background. I recently got to speak to Josh about his journey from Tulsa to Vegas. Here’s our conversation.

FightPros: Thanks for taking time out of your day to talk with us, Josh.

Josh “The Beast” Bryant: No problem, man. I appreciate it.

FightPros: How long have you been in MMA and how did you get started?

The Beast: I’ve only been doing it for three years, going on my fourth year. I got started by working out in a gym and a buddy of mine mentioned that since I had a wrestling background that I should go try out this MMA stuff at Mikey’s Gym (Mikey Burnett, former UFC fighter and competitor on Season 4 of The Ultimate Fighter: “The Comeback”). So I said, “Sure.” I went over there, worked out with them, lost some weight, and thought, you know what, I can do this. And that was the beginning.

FightPros: Walk us through the process of how you became a cast member of The Ultimate Fighter Season 11.

The Beast: Man, that was a really drawn out thing. They keep you in the dark through the whole thing. My buddies were like, ‘Hey, you should go try out.’ So, I thought to myself, I got nothing to lose. So, I flew out to L.A., went to my hotel, got up the next morning at 8AM to try out. I tried out. First, they make you grapple, then you hit mitts, then they make you do interviews. So, I grappled. I did well, so they put me to the next round. I hit mitts, did well, and they put me through to the interviews. When I got to the interview part, they informed me they were cutting the 205lb weight class, which is what I tried out for. So, I was like, shit, I guess I’m going to have to try out for 185 [lb weight division]. I was the first fighter to step up and tell them I could make 185 lbs if they gave me a chance. So, they liked me and let me make the cut. So, they gave me a chance at 185lbs. So, then you wait, like, a month, then they call you and tell you to fly to Vegas for medicals and more interviews. They fly you out for that process. Depending on how you do on medicals and interviews, they call you two weeks before the show to let you know you whether you made it or not.

FightPros: Wow! What was your reaction to them letting you know you made the show?

The Beast:  Man, it was insane. I was, like, wow! It was a dream to be on the show. When I went to the try-outs, there were over 300 other fighters trying out. So, it was definitely a long-shot in my mind to make it. But, it was absolutely great!

FightPros:  Did you know anything about Greg Rebello before you fought him?

The Beast:  No. I had no idea who he was, where he trained, or what his record was.

FightPros:  You didn’t get to see him spar or hear anything about him from anyone before the fight?

The Beast:  No, leading up to the prelim fight, you’re in a hotel room the whole time. They pull you out of the hotel to make weight, and then you’re back in `til you fight. Then you fight the next day. I had no time or way to find anything out about him. You don’t have your phone or anything, no contact to the outside world. I couldn’t look him up if I wanted to.

FightPros:  That’s very interesting. Were you nervous before your fight?

The Beast:  You know, I wasn’t nervous about fighting. I was more nervous about not performing to my ability. I didn’t want to be that guy that says, ‘I should’ve done this, I should’ve done that, or I should’ve won.’ So, I just wanted to make sure I went out there and threw good punches and kicks and wrestled and just did what I know to do. After the fight got going, I got comfortable, and was able to do exactly what I do (chuckles).

FightPros:  Nice. Was it difficult to prepare for a fight in that setting?

The Beast:  Yeah, it was really, really difficult to prepare for 1) somebody you don’t know anything about, 2) you don’t have your team around you helping you get pumped and get ready and focused on fighting. It’s very isolating and mentally difficult.

FightPros: How did you feel when they raised your hand and announced your name as the winner of the fight?

The Beast:  Oh, my god. I can’t even explain how I felt. I was at a loss for words. I made it in the house, which was great. But, at the same time I was, like, man this was my dream to be on the show and now I’m on it. I can’t explain how I felt at that point in time. It was so awesome and such a great feeling that I had accomplished something even though I would have more fights to win in order to win the show. It was just an awesome feeling, none like I’ve had.

FightPros:  What was it like seeing yourself on TV?

The Beast:  That was a little strange. It’s a little weird seeing yourself on TV. People are, like, ahhhh, it’s you. And I’m, like, yeah, that’s me (nervous laughter). It’s definitely strange. I’m not quite used to it, yet.

FightPros:  What were your first thoughts on the first episode?

The Beast:  I thought there were a lot of good fights to get into the house. A lot of those fights could’ve gone either way. After the first episode, there were just a lot of tough guys that are going to make for a good Ultimate Fighter season.

FightPros:  I agree. I thought that was one of the best “first” episodes of any Ultimate Fighter season so far. Once you knew you made the show, did you have a preference of whose team you wanted to be on, Tito’s or Chuck’s?

The Beast:  I thought they were both good in past seasons, but after I saw who Chuck’s assistant coaches were, I wanted to be on his team!

FightPros:  Can’t go wrong with John Hackleman and Jake Shields! Alright, what do you want MMA fans to know about Josh Bryant, the person?

The Beast:  I’m just a nice guy that likes to have fun and hang out with his buddies on the weekends, just a regular guy that likes having fun.

FightPros:  What about Josh Bryant, the fighter?

The Beast:  The fighter’s all business, man. They call me “The Beast” ‘cause I’m in the cage and I’m just unleashed.

FightPros:  What can we expect on Season 11?

The Beast:  Expect some great fights, some drama in the house, and some serious ass-kicking!

FightPros: Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

The Beast:  Of course. I’d like to thank Extreme Gym, Absolute Combat Alliance, and Twin Peaks for hosting my watch parties. I’d like to thank Freestyle Cage Fighting. I’d also like to thank my friends, family, and fans!

FightPros: Thanks, Josh. It’s been great talking to you. Good luck on the rest of the season!

If the first episode of Season 11 is any indicator of what’s in store us, we’re in for a great season of fighting!!!

Interviewer:  FightPros.com writer Brandon Wofford