Interview: UFC’s Tony Gravely finds confidence with high-level sparring partners

UFC bantamweight Tony Gravely feels plenty confident for his upcoming bout against Anthony Birchak on Saturday, April 17, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Why wouldn’t he?

At American Top Team, Gravely (20-6) faces elite black belts across myriad promotions day in and day out. He helped train Adriano Moraes for his victory over flyweight legend Demetrious Johnson. He spars with Pedro Munhoz and Jussier Formiga. His last handful of fights have all been against black belts like Birchak (15-7).

“Everybody I go with is a phenomenal grappler,” Gravely told Fight Night Picks’ John Hyon Ko in a recent interview.

Gravely discussed his training partners, the switch in opponents from Nate Maness to Birchak and how he overcame a loss to Brett Johns in his UFC debut in a 20-minute interview.

“There’s always people in the gym at my weight that are preparing for fights,” Gravely said. “I’m fortunate and honored that a lot of those fighters want me to spar with them because they thought I was someone they could benefit from.”

Gravely does not take the responsibility of being a sparring partner lightly. He prepares for a sparring session like a fight: he eats right and gets good rest.

“I want to give the best of me I can so he can be the best him,” Gravely said. “As long as I’m doing that, it makes me hold myself accountable.”

Originally scheduled to face a tall and lanky striker in Nate Maness, Gravely was happy with the replacement of Birchak when Maness pulled out due to injury. Birchak’s submission game and grappling-heavy approach leads into Gravely’s elite wrestling, he said.

Birchak is coming off a loss to Gustavo Lopez, also an accomplished wrestler.

“I don’t have to chase the person as much,” Gravely said of grapplers. “If that’s what they like to do, they’ll grab me. They’ll initiate it.”

With 12 takedowns in two UFC fights, Gravely feels he can dictate where the fight goes. After a submission loss to Brett Johns in his debut, Gravely rebounded with a split decision victory over Geraldo de Freitas in November.

“I know a lot of fighters would love to be where I’m at and get where I’m at,” Gravely said. “I eventually want to make it to where I’m an asset to the company and to MMA.”