NSN correspondent David Michaud is currently training with former Capital UFC world champion, Brenson Henderson. COURTESY/All Event Photography
Michaud prepares for next big fight
By Brandon Ecoffey
Native Sun News Managing Editor GLENDALE, Ariz. — Pine Ridge’s David “Bull Dawg” Michaud has not spent much time actually competing in the cage but he has not been idle. Michaud is currently training with one of the top MMA gyms in the entire world: the MMA LAB in Glendale, Ariz. Considered to be one of the top up and coming 155lb fighters in the U.S. the undefeated (7-0) Michaud has packed up and left South Dakota to seek out the expertise and high level training that exists at the gym in Glendale, Ariz. MMA LAB features some of the top fighters in the world including former UFC champion Benson Henderson, former WEC champion Jaimie Varner, longtime UFC vets Efrain Escudero, Joe Riggs, Jon Moraga, and Bellator fighter Tim Welch. Michaud who is a product of the Pine Ridge, SD based Rez Rumblers and the Next Edge academy in Sioux Falls, SD says that the talent level at the gym creates a sink or swim environment where he is forced to improve. “Every day is a struggle. Every round I go, every minute, I am in a battle because the talent in the room is so high. I have to get better in order to survive. It dedicatedly gets me ready for a fight because no one I am going to complete against is going to challenge me like I get challenged every day here,” said Michaud. According to Michaud the pace of the practices are unlike anything he has ever experienced at any level of competition. The Pine Ridge native was also a state champion wrestler who would go on to compete at South Dakota State University while earning his degree. Being in a gym with a fighter who is as well-known as Benson Henderson, the current #1 rated contender in the UFC’s 155lb division, Michaud has been able to follow the former champ’s example of hard work. “He never takes breaks, at all. When he is running a practice the intensity is so high and he keeps everyone going the entire practice,” said Michaud of Henderson. “It's easy to see why he was the champ, he works harder than anyone I have ever seen and I know what it will take for me to get to his level.” For many fighters branching out to other gyms can either be a distraction from the norm that can throw a wrench in their fight game or it can add a much needed fresh perspective to be coached by eyes that may be able to spot flaws in a fighter’s style. Michaud feels that the experience he is having now is only for the better. “I have always known I needed to get better and being here just shows that I need to improve everywhere and everything. I feel like I've been able to get better at everything and up my skills to a little higher level,” said Michaud. For many fighters achieving a level of visibility that will garner the attention of larger fight promotions is often difficult, however after dominating the fight scene on the Northern Plains through his recent stint of wins his notoriety has grown and his current training at the LAB should have the UFC knocking soon. “Having it known that I am training at The MMA Lab with so many UFC veterans should definitely help me get another look from the UFC,” said Michaud. Currently Michaud is attempting to find a fighter willing to step in the cage with him after two former UFC veterans recently backed out. Until then he plans to continue training in the hopes that the phone rings with a call from the UFC for him to step on to the ultimate stage. (Contact Brandon Ecoffey at staffwriter2@nsweekly.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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