Though no one has really been able to fairly criticize Pat Curran for his fighting effort and style, the Bellator featherweight has been in the middle of at least a little bit of controversy and resentment the past year. After losing his title to Daniel Straus in a one-sided decision, Curran was granted an immediate rematch.
The move by Bellator brass seemed one of blatant favoritism for Curran. Afterall, his last Bellator fight with Strauss was not controversial or even close.
What's more, most felt that Patricio "Pitbull" Freire had done more than enough to earn the next shot. Fans on message boards and even other Bellator fighters complained about poster boys like Curran apparently receiving preferential treatment from Bellator.
Of course, Curran went on to submit Strauss in their immediate title rematch to reclaim the Bellator 145 pound belt. Curran is now set to face "Pitbull" in a rematch of their early 2013 close split decision bout tonight in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Speakint with Cagewriter, the new Team Takedown member says he hasn't concerned himself with all the critics. "You know, one thing as a fighter and athlete is that you can't let people's criticism get to you," he says.
"I can't let little things bother me. I was given an opportunity in a rematch so of course I took it. I would be stupid to not have taken it. I pretty much proved everyone wrong by finishing the fight, too."
Though it can't be an easy task, Curran is right not to listen to writers like yours truly or any others in the peanut gallery. He's got a job to do, and focus is paramount.
Curran wasn't sure he wanted to continue with that job after losing to Strauss, however. The fighter fell into a deep depression.
Though he has appeared to rebound strong in the cage, depression is not a one and done type of thing. Rather, depression is something to work on and deal with throughout a life.
Curran says he's feeling good, because of help he's sought and work he's done, though he knows it's a process. "There's a few things with the way we approached it," he begins.
"I saw a sports psychologist a couple times and we broke everything down and he let me know his thoughts on the situation. It was good to get his professional advice. He also put me on Lexipro to help me deal with it and overcome it. Over all, it is about making changes in my life when I'm not happy with something. Whatever it is that I'm not happy with, I've had to make make changes. That helps."
So does having a set routine, according to "Paddy Mike." The fighter approaches depression like fighting - by focusing on one day at a time.
"A routine helps keep me busy and keeps me active," he says.
"Ever since I sat down to talk to [the psychologist], I've been making changes. It's great so far but it doesn?t go away over night. It takes time. I'm new to it, and learning one day at a time."�
Curran has changed a lot heading into the rematch with "Pitbull" tonight, and he knows that his opponent is also improved. That said, the grappling specialist clearly visualizes himself as the winner, and still champion.
"Both of us have grown as fighters," he says.
"I'm not the same fighter as when we first fought. At the same time, you cant cange too much in a two year period. I know I've grown a lot as a fighter. I've switched up training camps. I'm coming into this fight more prepared and more ready.
"I have a different outlook. I'm a hundred percent ready. I know I'm going to win. I see my hand getting raised. I just have to go out there and perform."
Follow Elias on Twitter @EliasCepeda & @YahooCagewriter
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