Just over a year ago I had the pleasure of interviewing Megan Olivi. Olivi is working for Fox Sports and is also the wife of UFC Fighter Joseph Benavidez. Check out the interview below.
MMAUK: What do you like about MMA?
Megan: I love that MMA is the purest form of competition. There is nothing more real than a fight. But I also love the respect between our athletes. It’s incredible to watch.
MMAUK: Can you give us an idea what MMA work you are now involved in?
Megan: I hosted UFC Ultimate Insider on FS1 for 2 years. I now work as the backstage reporter for Fox for UFC events as well as providing the pre-fight and post fight backstage interviews for UFC‘s digital platforms. I also host The Exchange with Megan Olivi on UFC Fight Pass as well as hosting our Q&A’s, fan events and open workouts.
MMAUK: Prior to working the various shows you do, how much prep work is involved?
Megan: Every single day I am reading articles and watching videos to stay up to date with everything happening in the sport. When it comes to fight week I re-watch old fights, study stats and facts and prepare for a few hours a day.
I try to be physically active every day. I do train kickboxing and also I’m an avid practitioner of Pilates and hot yoga.
MMAUK: You must have had some difficult moments interviewing fighter’s after a loss?
Megan: It’s one of the most challenging things I am asked to do, but each athlete deserves to have their voice heard if they have something to say. I try to provide a safe, comfortable environment for them to express their emotions.
MMAUK: Conor McGregor has a certain persona but what’s he like when the camera stops rolling?
Megan: Conor has always been incredibly kind in his interactions with me. He is pretty darn funny, it’s always a pleasure to work with him.
Quick Fire Questions:
Favourite singer/band?
Kenny Chesney / Miguel / Kanye West.
Favourite Song?
Anything but Mine – Kenny Chesney.
Favourite Film?
A Bronx Tale.
Favourite Meal?
My moms orchetta w/sausage and broccoli rabe.
Thing that irritates you the most?
Slow walkers.