Randell Stroud, a former MMA athlete, is very much involved in the sports world and a variety of other endeavors, including politics (running for a Tennessee House seat).
McElwain: What is your advice for anyone trying to make it in the sports world?
Stroud: If you’re thinking about entering into a sport but are nervous or think you’re too weak, go for it! Our bodies are designed to adapt and get stronger! Do not be afraid to be a beginner. Sports are necessary to develop our character. In sports, you learn to accept defeat as well as enjoy the fruits of a victory. These lessons will suit you later in life.
McElwain: During your time as a kickboxer, you have trained with many boxers. Out of all of the fighters you trained with, who was your favorite?
Stroud: I have trained and sparred with many great fighters of both amateur and professional caliber. But, out of all them, my favorite person to train with was my older brother Michael. He was very open-minded and eager to work. Life struggles interrupted our careers, but if we had better mentors and guidance, we could have been a force in the combat sports world like the Diaz Brothers or the Klitschko Brothers. We were both savages in our own right.
McElwain: Describe MMA and/or kickboxing in one word.
Stroud: “Development.”
McElwain: Who is currently your favorite fighter and why? 
Tyson Fury (photo, Bleacher Report)
Stroud: My favorite fighter who is currently active would have to be a tie between Tyson Fury and Lyoto Machida. Tyson Fury fights for the sake of his mental health and constantly glorifies God in the process. You have to respect that! Lyoto Machida, on the other hand, embodies everything positive about traditional martial arts. He invokes the samurai spirit of humbleness, honor, and moral excellence. You have to admire any warrior who fights for something more than just his selfish, narcissistic aims. Additionally, both men are very unorthodox and unique in their styles. I’m also very experimental and unorthodox in my fighting style, so I can relate to that from a technical perspective.
McElwain: What do you predict that the world of sports will be like in the future?
Stroud: In the future, I think combat sports will be banned. As society becomes more civilized and as testosterone levels continue to plummet, I think one or two generations from now will see combat sports as barbaric. As society becomes more obsessed with social justice and self-righteousness, I think most contact sports as a whole will be seen as offensive in the future. It’s depressing, but this is my prediction.
McElwain: Recently, Jake Paul has been making a name for himself in the world of boxing. Do you see him as a real fighter?
Photo, Evening Standard
Stroud: Jake Paul has a boxing license. Legally speaking, he is a boxer! So far, he only has one legitimate opponent on his resume: Tyrone Woodley. Jake Paul has three years of training and experience under the lights and crowds of an arena. At this point, he must begin fighting real boxers who have a legitimate background in the sport, or he will continue to be seen as a sideshow. Regardless, I have a small level of respect for anyone willing to step in the ring. Regardless of circumstances, so fair play to Jake Paul, But it is time for him to step up his competition to give him proper credit.
McElwain: Recently, many athletes such as Manny Pacquiao and Caitlyn Jenner have been dabbling in the world of politics. As a former athlete who’s dabbled in politics himself, what are your views on these types of athletes?
Stroud: The world of politics is a funny profession: You don’t necessarily have to have a particular background to become a successful president. You need to be brave and handle pressure while respecting traditions while simultaneously progressing the affairs of a nation. Ronald Regan, Abraham Lincoln, Donald Trump, none of these guys had the most impressive formal education, but they had guts. 99% of people are cowards who only think about following their dreams. It’s easy to complain about problems in the world, but it takes a special person to expose themselves and put their repetitions on the line to get into a position to invoke change. I have a basic level of respect for anyone brave enough to enter the boxing ring or the ring of politics, regardless of background. Both arenas require extreme courage and vulnerability.
McElwain: Where do you see yourself in 30 years?
Stroud: I have no idea where I’ll be in 30 years. Hopefully healthy and in the presence of a beautiful wife and family living in a wonderful neighborhood. I’m a religious man, so I must continue to work hard and trust in the plan that God has predestined for me. It’s good to plan, but we have to be ready for those plans to be scattered, or we will succumb to suicidal disappoints. Always have a plan B, and C. Never get attached to any outcomes in life.
McElwain: Recently, I sat down to interview James Hagler, whom you recently had the pleasure of interviewing. What is he like as a person?
Stroud: James is a special guy. He is working so hard to build his promotion brand and distinguish himself from his father’s shadow.
His father, Marvin Hagler, is one of the best boxers who ever lived, and I feel that his son, James, will be one of the greatest promoters who ever lived with his new company James Hagler Promotions.
McElwain: Finally, if given the opportunity, would you return to the ring?
Stroud: I haven’t competed in a sanctioned combat sports fight since 2010 (street fights don’t count). I have fought in Sanshou (Chinese kickboxing), full contact Karate, and Brazilian Jujitsu. When I was younger, I only cared about glory and honor. But, at this stage in my life, I have many duties and responsibilities. Without a good payday, I can’t see myself in the ring again. However, if someone came at me with a six-figure offer, I would quickly put on my running shoes and prepare to give any opponent the fight of his life, whether in boxing, kickboxing, karate, MMA, sansho, or any combat sport!
