X-TREME: Scott, how did you get started in the sport of Muay Thai? 

SCOTT: My cousin Chris, who I am very close with, was and is a very good friend of Trevor 'TNT' Smandych's, one of Acharn Mike Miles best and longest fighters.  He would tell me stories of the fight cards that took place here in Calgary, and how Mr. Miles and his fighters would dominate in the ring.  This always interested me when I was younger, and it was something that I wanted to be a part of.  It wasn't until I grew a little older, when I started having problems with street gangs and feeling a little of the beaten path, that I decided it was time to make a change for myself, so I signed up.   

 X-TREME: What do you think of the UFC?

SCOTT:    The UFC started out really good.  I found it interested to see which Martial Art styles were effective, and not effective.  The 'No Holds Barred' was a little extreme, but nonetheless, it was interesting to watch, and best of all, new to the audience.  I do believe that there are stronger and more effective styles in the UFC now, and definitely better talent.  Unfortunately, the media has warped the minds of the audience, and the fighters going into it.  The discipline, respect, honor, along with many other values, have been stripped from the nature of Martial Arts for the sake of Entertainment. 

X-TREME: Muay Thai is an awesome sport, why do you think its not got a bigger following here in the states?

Scott:  The promotion of any show plays a huge part in the success and growth of the event.  Everything from quality fights, pyrotechnics, comfortable seating, a nice venue, instant replays, and so on, play into the success.  The happier you make your audience, the more they want.  Big money has been put into events such as the UFC, and now, it is being run a lot more like the WWE, just with real fighting.  The fighters are given profiles, egos, reputations.  They become this character suddenly, and develop an audience of their own.  The more the promotion can mend a fighter for entertainment purposes, the more tickets they can sell.  The sport of MMA has attracted many fighters that are sold on becoming 'actors' as well as fighters, which in turn is allowing the sport to grow. 

X-TREME: Kickboxing and Muay Thai gyms here in the US are losing fighters to cage promotions and MMA gyms. Is this just here or is it like that in Canada as well? 

SCOTT: First off, this change is on a global level.  Once again, I believe that the promotion into MMA is a lot bigger.  On this end, everybody wants a quick paycheck.  It is easier to turn pro and make money when competing in MMA. 

 X-TREME: Have you yourself done any MMA fights?

SCOTT:  No. 

 X-TREME: Have you watched the WCL-World Combat League and what do you think of it? 

SCOTT: I have seen a small amount of the WCL.  I like the concept of the TEAM fighting.  From the WCL cards that I have seen, it seems as though the fighters stand up a little longer, and work their Thaiboxing skills.  In MMA, I have always been in favor of the stand up fighters, so this has attracted me to the WCL. 

X-TREME: Canadian fighters seem to always be in better condition than most American fighters, why do you think that is? 

SCOTT: I can honestly say that our conditioning and sportsmanship comes from the coaches and gyms we train under.  Acharn Mike Miles has dedicated his life to this sport.  His knowledge and experience speaks for itself.  He passes on his legacy each time he puts a fighter in the ring, and given that, we as his fighters, take pride in being part of Team Miles.  I guess it is the same for most clubs.  Hard work pays off, and it shows with the Canadian fighters.          

X-TREMEFIGHTS.COM Believes Scott Clark is in a league of his own and is always a class act. Keep your eye on his world domination in the sport at www.mikemiles.com and right here at X-TREME FIGHTS.COM