Pyle Defies Odds, Upsets Hathaway

The bookmakers didn’t believe in Mike Pyle before his fight against John Hathaway at UFC 120, but Pyle believed in himself.

A four-to-one underdog heading into the bout, Pyle shocked the heavily-favored Englishman and the partisan O2 Arena crowd Saturday night, out-wrestling the London Shootfighter en route to a unanimous decision victory.

“I just knew I could beat the kid, and I knew that I would be able to outwork [him]. For sure, 100 percent in my heart, I knew I could beat him,” said Pyle.

A former WEC welterweight champion, Pyle has 29 career fights to his credit. The previously unbeaten Hathaway, on the other hand, owns only 15.

“I’ve been fighting since 1998. I think he was probably doing homework in high school at the time…maybe even middle school. I’m seasoned, and I train with the best that’s out there,” said the Xtreme Couture product.

It’s often been said that Pyle is a menace in the gym but fails to translate his talent to the cage. Pyle asserted that those cerebral lapses were simply a roadblock that he needed to navigate.

“[It comes down to] the mental preparation. It just took me a little bit longer than it does some people to get over the UFC jitters,” said Pyle. “This is the big show. It’s a lot bigger than any other show I’ve ever fought in. I had to train myself for that, and I think I’ve taken all the proper steps.”

When asked if this was the biggest win of his career, Pyle didn’t hesitate with his response.

“Yeah, I’d have to say so. When they called and gave me the opportunity to be on this card, I was very thankful. I rose to the occasion,” he said. “[I was a] severe underdog coming out here. I loved it. I loved that the crowd didn’t like me as much, but I think that I maybe captured a few fans afterwards.”