Gegard Mousasi's striking coach Thom Harinck speaks to Kingdom MMA ahead of his fight at UFC on Fuel 9

Thom Harinck speaks to Kingdom MMA ahead of Mousasi's fight at UFC on Fuel 9

by Ben Heather @benheather

Kingdom MMA recently had the privilege to ask Thom Harinck, striking coach of Gegard Mousasi some questions ahead of Mousasi's fight at UFC on Fuel TV 9. Harinck has coached a who's who of world class fighters from all areas of combat sport with names such as Melvin Manhoef, Peter Aerts and Anderson Silva just a few of his past students and now he adds Gegard Mousasi to that list.

Ben: Is this the first time you have coached Gegard Mousasi?
Thom: No he has trained with me before a couple of times, only this time he has trained very seriously for 2 months 3 times a week with me.

Ben: What did he train with you, or was it for the whole camp?
Thom: He only came for his boxing and kicking, technical training with my champions.

Ben: You have worked with some of the best strikers in the world Aerts, Manhoef, Anderson Silva, where would you compare Mousasi's striking with some of the guys you have trained?
Thom: I think Gegard is very good at boxing but we have worked a lot on his kicks and special combinations which involve boxing and kicking.

Ben: At what stage did Mousasi stop full contact training before the fight?
Thom: 10 days before the fight, I did not do contact but only shadow and bag training at the end.

Ben: What are your thoughts on the events which led to Gustafsson pulling out? Would you have let it happen if you were his coach?
Thom: That is very difficult to say. I think in Holland and also Sweden you have to listen to the Doctor. It is the responsibility of the medical team.

Ben: What shape is Mousasi in coming into the fight both physically and mentally since the change of opponents?
Thom: Gegard will fight with anybody, the only problem is we focused and made a game plan for Gustafsson.

Ben: Have you spoken with Gegard this week, if so is he still as focused for this fight?
Thom: We have been in contact by SMS especially me and his brother.

Ben: Would you like to add anything else about the Gustafsson situation?
Thom: It's a bad situation for everybody, also for Gustafsson who wants to fight for the promoter, for Gegard, the fans etc etc. But they have found a good replacement man, the only pity is that he is not such a big name but he can still be very dangerous, because he has nothing to lose.

Ben: Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Thom: It was my pleasure good luck Osu

Keep checking Kingdom MMA for all the latest news from around the world of MMA.