We are sitting here with one of the break out stars of the hit MTV reality show “Caged,” Matt Danger Schnell. In the interview, we discussed his typical day, the show “Caged,” and wrapped things up with how he spends his free time. Prepare yourself as we enter the mind of “Danger.”
Q- I’m sitting here with Matt “Danger” Schnell. How are you today, Matt?
A- Doing well, thanks for having me.
Q- Matt, can you briefly take us through a typical day with you? What’s your routine?
A- I’m in Dallas this week getting my training camp kicked off. I woke up this morning and headed to Johnny Bedford’s gym in Collieville, Texas. Our morning session was straight wrestling. I think we ended up doing like twenty rounds of that. My next session was a private lesson with Boxing coach Tony Cabello. He works with guys like Bedford and Johny Hendricks. He’s a very high level striking coach. Afterwards, we drove over to Mohlers and rolled about ten rounds of NoGi. It was an eventful and productive day.
Q- How has your life changed since the filming of MTV’s Caged aired? Are you still close to any of the guys from the series?
A- More than anything, it made me somewhat recognizable. I appreciate the fact that I can hit dudes up from out of town and they’ll let me come to their gym and train. I fight for an amazing promotion in Legacy Fighting Championship. None of this would be possible without the help of that TV show. I’m very blessed and thankful for sure.
Q- Matt, a lot of your fans want to know what happened with Team Punishment? On the show, you and one other guy were chosen to train with Tito Ortiz. However, neither of you are currently affiliated with Team Punishment, is that correct? Can you elaborate?
A- The team Punishment thing was an awesome experience. Tito brought us out and made us feel at home. I can’t speak on what went down with Tony and Punishment. As for me and the company, we made a mutual business decision together. We shook hands and parted ways. I still keep a friendly relationship with both Tito and the company. I appreciate everything they did for me while I was out there.
Q- Since the show aired, and after training with Team Punishment, you moved to Lafayette, Louisiana, and started training there. Was this an easy decision?
A- It was a no brainer. Great gym full of talented guys. Three hours away from my hometown. It was meant to be. I love my gym, coaches, and team mates. I really couldn’t ask for any more.
Q- Since training in Lafayette, you decided to pursue a professional fighting career versus your highly decorated amateur fighting career. How hard was it to make this decision?
A- It wasn’t a very difficult decision, I was definitely ready to get paid a little bit.
Q- You are currently fighting for Legacy Fighting Championship. You have had two successful bouts for that organization since turning pro. Your third fight comes up at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, on May 31, 2013. What do you know about your opponent?
A- I’m fighting a tough fella from Corpus Christi. He looks to be well rounded and solid. I think it will be an entertaining fight, for sure.
Q- Have you done anything different to prepare for this fight?
A- I came out to Dallas to cross train with guys like Johnny Bedford, Dustin Pague, and Will Campuzano. Other than that, I’ve just continually worked on all aspects of my game. I’ll return back to Lafayette and finish my camp there. I’m addicted to improving.
Q- How do you see this fight playing out for you?
A- Im hoping it will be a challenging one. I would like three solid rounds of pro fight experience. That being said, I’m looking to devastate him. I’m gonna set a high pace and stay busy. If he can keep up, it will be an exciting fight.
Q- If you could choose one opponent in the UFC, who do you feel would be a good matchup for you?
A- Louis Gaudinot
Q- Where do you see yourself in 5 years in this sport?
A- I think I’ll be competing at a high level. The goal is and always has been the UFC. If in five years I’m not there, then it’s time to find a new profession.
Q- What do you do when you are not training for a fight? What do you do to relax and enjoy yourself?
A- I stay in the gym consistently. Martial arts is both my job and hobby. The only real difference between when I’m fighting and when I’m not is I eat a lot more ice cream and I walk around with about fifteen extra pounds on me. Haha. I enjoy traveling in my off time and spending time with my girlfriend. I’m a simple dude.
Special thanks to all my sponsors and the people who continue to support me. Thanks for having me guys!
Thank you, Matt. I really appreciate your time during this busy part of your training camp. Seems the young fighter has come a long way since his days on the show and continuing to stay humble throughout his experience. Remember to tune in or purchase tickets to his fight at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, on May 31, 2013. Remember to follow my guest on Twitter at @DANGER_Caged and myself @MMADocket. Matt, again I thank you for your time.
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