[랭크5=고현 기자] Mark "Mugen" Striegl captured the featherweight title in devastating fashion last September by choking Lee Do-Gyeom unconscious in the first round at URCC Colossal.

In a time where fighters with notable names get immediate title shots, the 30-year-old juggernaut instead ripped through the ranks and earned the championship crown over a 13-month period.

Now sitting on top of the division and riding a four-fight winning streak, he is scheduled to make his first title defense to kick off the new year against UFC veteran Shunichi Shimizu at URCC 77: Raw Fury on April 27 in Manila.

In this interview, Striegl joins John Hyon Ko of Kumite TV to discusses title-challenger Shunichi Shimizu, getting inspiration from good friend AJ Pyro, more exposure for MMA in the Philippines with the new ESPN deal, adjustments to his lifestyle to extend his career, Alliance MMA Philippines, chasing after more URCC titles, and more.

Notable excerpts from the interview:

John Hyon Ko: "What are your thoughts on [Shunichi Shimizu] as a title-challenger?"

Mark Striegl: "I don't think I have fought anybody with as many fights as him. Definitely, he has the experience thing. And he is a grizzly, tough veteran guy. He is always in it. Even in fights that he has lost, he is trying to win. But, I think the power of youth is my advantage. I will be a little too much for him. My pressure is going to be too much and I think I will be able to overwhelm him."

John Hyon Ko: "Is it safe to say that you are in your prime right now? You are the most difficult to beat, you are the most difficult Mark to beat right now?"

Mark Striegl: "Yeah, I think so! I still feel the best is yet to come, you know, I feel like I am really coming into my own. I'm getting great training with coach George Castro. Alliance MMA Philippines is going to be here in like 60 days, it's going to be a big deal and I will be training there too. So I feel great and I am excited for this next fight and for the rest of the year. Try to get in 1-2 more fights in."

John Hyon Ko: "Has chasing another belt in a different weight class crossed your mind with all these champ, champs running around?"

Mark Striegl: "Definitely, man! A second title is something that is exciting and I think every fighter wants more titles, you know. I thought about it, maybe at 135."

For the audio version of the interview CLICK HERE or go to iTunes.

고현 기자 jhkmma@gmail.com