David Michaud proudly wears the Oglala Lakota Nation flag into the ring. Photo from Facebook
'Bull Dawg' on the rise Oglala fighter climbing UFC ranks
By Brandon Ecoffey
Times Editor PINE RIDGE—Amidst stories of struggle in his homeland, one young Oglala Lakota is making a name for himself and his community on the grandest of stages. Pine Ridge’s David “Bull Dawg” Michaud is quickly climbing the ranks of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s 155lb division and representing the Oglala Sioux Nation in a positive way. Prior to David “Bull Dawg” Michaud’s last fight, an image of him kneeling and draped in an Oglala Sioux tribal flag while on his way to the UFC octagon began circulating across social media. The photo of Michaud gathering his thoughts with the entire Lakota Nation at his back is indicative of Indian Country’s support of the blossoming mixed martial artist but also of the grounded mindset he brings with him to the sport. “I take pride in carrying the flag out with me to the cage. I want to represent our people in a good way. Not many outside of our community know our tribal flag and I want those who do not know what it stands for to associate it with something good. I want them to think good things when they see that flag,” said Michaud. Coming off his first victory in the UFC over Garret Whitely (7-3), Michaud (8-1) will now look to continue his rise in what is arguably the UFC’s most competitive division against fellow young gun Oliver Aubin-Mercier (5-1) on April 25. The bout against Aubin-Mercier is considered to be a step up in competition for Michaud as the two will square off in Aubin-Mercier’s hometown of Montreal, Quebec. “Obviously he is going to have all the fans on his side but once the cage door closes I don’t really hear anything. It’s just me and him,” said Michaud. Aubin-Mercier was the inaugural winner of The Ultimate Fighter Nations reality series that featured the top MMA prospects from Canada and Australia. The match up between the “Quebec Kid” and the pride of Pine Ridge will feature a contrast in styles as Aubin-Mercier brings his solid judo game to the cage in the hopes of stifling Michaud’s South Dakota reared freestyle wrestling attack. Although the competition will continue to stiffen with each victory, Michaud believes that his efforts leading up to the fight often predetermines the outcome. “Going in to my last fight I knew that with how hard I worked I was going to win. It couldn’t go any other way. I was going to perform the best I could. I wasn’t nervous to get my first win because of how hard I worked leading up to it.” In past interviews Michaud has credited his improved conditioning to his teammates at the MMA Lab in Phoenix, AZ. The MMA Lab has emerged as one of the elite camps in the country and includes former UFC champion Benson Henderson, Joe Riggs, Ephrain Escudero, Bryan Barberena and coach John Crouch. In a sport where bravado dominates, Michaud has taken a more intrinsic approach to his craft. When asked why he fights, the Pine Ridge born fighter doesn’t offer the usual response that is often tainted with ego and pride—but one driven by self growth. “I’ve been competing my entire life. When I’m training I don’t think about (dominating an opponent). But on fight night when you beat someone up and it’s just you and him, there is something to be said about that feeling but it isn’t something that can drive you every day. That feeling you only get to have once every four months,” said Michaud. “To be a fighter you really have to embrace the grind. Right now I am training three times a day and not eating anything I want to eat. So there has to be something else that motivates me to improve,” he said. For Michaud the motivation to get up and improve daily comes from deep within himself. “I enjoy making myself better, faster, stronger,” he said. I would like to improve at all these things because this is the sport I am in. It’s what I want to be best at. If you find your passion you should want to be the best that you can be. It’s not about being the best in the world but the best you can be with your ability. Don’t leave any stone unturned when trying to improve your self.” When asked about the best moment of his young career Michaud remained humble. “The best moment of my career was getting that last win. Guys have gone their whole career without ever getting it. I know guys who have been training since before the UFC was around and never got the win and to think that I was able to get that at this point in mine. I feel fortunate to be given that opportunity and I’m going to continue to make the most of it.” The fight will be on the under card of the T.J Dillashaw and Renan Barao super fight that will determine who will wear the UFC’s bantamweight belt. The televised portion of the card has yet to be determined. Please stay tuned to LCT’s Facebook page for times and listing of Michaud’s bout. (Contact Brandon Ecoffey at editor@lakotacountrytimes.com) Find the Lakota Country Times on the Internet, Facebook and Twitter.
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