Abu Dhabi Blog Day 1 And 2...

Finally in Abu Dhabi and its amazing! This is the first chance I have had to blog since our schedule has been so chaotic. I will fill you in below with pics and recaps to keep you guys updated...

This is the first thing I saw arriving in Abu Dhabi...

The first night I grabbed a taxi and set out to explore the city. It was dark and I couldn't see much but did find some cool cultural hangouts. I should have taken more pictures but figured I had plenty of time still...

The next morning bright and early I met up with Big Nog and Ross Pearson and we went to the USO Dubai base. After going through security we met up with the Navy and did a seminar and Q&A in their shipping warehouse. Immediately following that, they took us on an armed patrol boat and actually let us drive it. Considering these were terrorist ridden waters, it was a very unique and exciting experience. The boats were armed with 50 cal machine guns and automatic grenade launchers.

After leaving USO Dubai, we stopped by Subway then shipped off to Minad Airbase where we met with many different airmen groups including the Aussie, Canadian and British. We did seminars and Q&A for them all...

We ended the night hanging out with the British troops where they were partying like its 1999! Pool, Ping Pong, Darts and even a live DJ! They even let me show my skills on the turn table. Big Nog was groovin! At the end of the night, the British Base Commander stopped by to say hi and get autographs for his twin daughters...

All My New Thailand Videos Linked...

I posted all my Thailand videos on Twitter in real time but since things wash right through the social networking rivers their, I am posting all the videos with descriptions here... Let me know what you think and please subscribe! 

(Mine & Roger Huerta's Thailand Vlog - The Best!)

(I Teach Huerta How To Charm Venomous Snakes)

(Night Out In Red Light District With Tiger Muay Thai)

(Buried Alive In Thailand)

(Served To Me As A Cheesburger!)

(I Blow My Tire Out In Thailand)

(Huerta & I Eat Some Bugs)

(I Race A Kitchen On The Mean Streets Of Phuket)

Sorry for the absence...

Hey guys,

Sorry for the absence, I have been mostly using Twitter to communicate lately. I will post my longer updates here...

I also recently joined Facebook due to the fake accounts portraying me. If something stupid is posted I wanna at least make sure I am the one who said it! 

http://www.facebook.com/officialswick

Thanks guys!

-Mike

Mike forced out of UFC 103

Written By: Mary Swick

I regret to inform you that Mike was forced to pull out of his September 19 bout at UFC 103 against Martin Kampmann. This past week during training, Mike suffered a Grade 2 head concussion after a takedown when he landed on the back of his head. After being examined by two physicians, he was told not to fight. Against doctors orders, Mike had still hoped to heal in time to fight in Texas. After symptoms continued through training in the days following, Bob Cook stepped in and pulled him from the fight.  

Although Mike is extremely upset, he is anxious to get back in the ring and fight again soon. Mike released this statement...

"I am very sorry to the fans who were looking forward to this fight. I was very excited to come back home to Texas and fight in front my family, friends and fans. I am also sorry to the UFC, they have spent a lot of time promoting this fight. I am in great shape and will continue to train hoping to get an opportunity to fight again soon. I will post any updates on my Twitter page at Twitter.com/officialswick. I want to thank all the fans for their support. The emails and Tweets have been great and has made this unfortunate incident much easier to deal with. "

Nikelback Rocks!

Written By: Mary Swick

I've been a huge fan of the band Nikelback ever since I heard their first hit single "How you Remind Me" on the radio.  Since then, I've searched local venues hoping they would tour to a city nearby. Several years later, Mike was fortunate enough to meet the bass guitarist for Nikelback, who is also named Mike. They have since become friends and poker pals. Although Mike had hung out with them on several occasions, I had yet to meet my favorite band. Needless to say, when Mike informed me that they would be performing in Mountain View, I was thrilled. Not only did we attend the concert, but Mike introduced me to the band before they performed. Mike and Chad, both Nickelback band members, were incredibly down to earth. 

The concert exceeded my expectations.  The music, the pyrotechnics, the banter with the crowd, it was truly an amazing experience. 

Another UFC fight, Another Victory! Written By: Mary

Written By: Mary Swick

Things have been pretty hectic around the Swick residence. Since his last fight, a knockout victory over Ben Saunders at UFC 99, Mike has been busy promoting and preparing for his upcoming fight against Martin Kampmann. The moment the fight was confirmed and it was announced that the winner takes on GSP for the title, he hasn't left the gym.

Fortunately, we were able to spend some quality time in both Germany and in Amsterdam before his next training camp began.

Post fight party downtown Germany. We hung out at a local pub till dawn. 



Spending time in Amsterdam. 

For more footage of UFC 99 in Germany, please click HERE

Germany Photos - Day #1 - City Touring & Fight Training

We arrived in Germany today. After checking into our hotel we had a chance to walk around the neighborhood. 

This bridge was covered with pad locks. Cool idea to leave your mark. The locks were all signed by random people who happen to be walking this bridge with an extra lock in their pocket and a marker. Oddly, I forgot to bring my extra pad lock and therefore couldn't leave my mark...

It seems that pork is the main item on the menu here. After spotting a pink, smiling pig, I jumped at the chance to ride this oddly happy swine. 

We finished the short neighborhood walk with a visit to a local pub. 

Later on, I met up with Cain, Dave and Javier for a night workout session. Cain and I ran first and then did some rolling....

After rolling with Cain, I did some pad work with Javier. Felt really good. Can't wait till Saturday!