Article by V.P.’s Health & Fitness Correspondent Jill Rudison.

Often times, true warriors walk amongst us, and do so in such a humble and quiet manner, we don’t even realize their greatness or that they are even warriors.  And for the last year right here in our own backyard of Venice, we have had the honor of such a warrior quietly walking amongst us.  This man came to LA all the way from Kansas (insert Wizard of Oz joke here) in pursuit of a number of dreams that have all blossomed to fruition at each first try.  Bodybuilding career?  Check.  Modeling career?  Check.  Acting career? Check.  Video Game Cover-man?  Double check.  Now that he has conquered all LA has to offer, he is now setting his sights on Las Vegas in an effort to dominate the MMA world and check off yet another task – becoming a MMA World Champion.

Before Devon left for Vegas, I had the bittersweet task of sitting down with him to discuss his take on the MMA world, his thoughts on the UFC and what he himself has learned through fighting.  In a world where few athletes are backed by the drive and determination that it takes to become a champion, I can personally vouch that this man has what it takes, because I have seen it firsthand.  There aren’t many people in this world who are so passionate about what they do that it actually consumes every ounce of their being.  Devon Schwan is indeed one of those exceptionally gifted athletes who I have no doubt whatsoever will be successful in the MMA world simply because he has the drive, the determination and the destiny for greatness.

Exactly one year ago, my life completely changed.  It was Memorial Day and I was greased up, tanned up, made up and pumped up in the “yard” at the Muscle Beach Memorial BB Show.  It was a day like any other (atleast in my life, competition-wise) and then I saw him: his signature mohawk glimmered from afar and stood out like a shark fin in a sea of people.  (A trick I would later use to my advantage when we would go out and I needed to find him in a crowded room.)  My heart skipped a beat when I realized that he was actually scanning the audience for ME, and when our eyes met, it was a gaze that wasn’t broken for damn nearly a year.

We chatted over the yard’s railing and agreed to hang out after the show.  Later that day, I cleaned house, took home 3 trophies and an overall title, but the best prize I won was the start of my relationship with that mohawked man, Devon Schwan.

How long have you been fighting?

I have been fighting in MMA for 4 years.

How/Why did you get into fighting?

I’m a very competitive person…and I am not happy unless I’m challenging myself everyday. I also just love to fight.

Word on the street is you’re swapping Venice for Vegas, the Mecca of MMA stomping grounds – What are some of the schools you wanna check out there?  UFC plans?

Yes, I am moving to Vegas! I do not know exactly where my home will be as far as a gym yet. Too many options!!!! As far as the UFC…I am just gonna do my job and win fights. If I do my job, then the UFC will call.

What is your best/signature move?

Without a doubt the knee…4 out of 4 wins were with knees…but nowadays I am a much more well rounded fighter…I won’t be relying on any one thing to win the fight anymore.

How did you garner your nickname “The Savage”?

I suppose from knee’n fools in the face.  LOL

What drives you / inspires you?

A love of competition, a fear of losing, a fear of being average, and most importantly…everyone who has ever doubted me….success is by far the best revenge!

Who do you look up to?

My mom and Dad

How did they have an influence on you?

They gave me the best upbringing anyone could ever ask for, and set a great example of what it means to be a good person…I of course repaid them by doing the exact opposite of everything they taught me.  LOL

What have you learned about yourself through fighting?

That I am a way better athlete than I had realized. I knew I had the guts, I knew I had the heart, and I knew I was tough…but my true potential was unrealized until recently.

Tell us about your training.

When I first started fighting I can honestly say I didn’t train hard enough…not that I wouldn’t have…I just didn’t yet have the understanding of what truly hard training was. When preparing for a fight now it means 2-3 training sessions a day, 5 days a week. Working standup fighting, as well as Jiu Jitsu and wrestling, while not neglecting the strength and conditioning

What do you do to prepare for a fight?

I train,train,train, and train some more so that on the day of the fight I know in my heart that I have done everything I can to win…and all I have to do is go do it. I make sure that the fight is the easy part.

Who is a fighter to watch that will change the sport of MMA?

I’m gonna say Jon “Bones” Jones. I’m a fan.

What’s the most impressive move you’ve seen this year?

Anthony “Showtime” Pettis kicking off the cage and Machida knocking out Randy Couture “Karate Kid” style…crazy!

Where do you see yourself 2 years from now?

I see myself being a force in 2 years. I have never been focused like I am now, and my ability to learn very quickly is my greatest asset. I can totally change my game in 8 weeks…so 2 years…man no telling. I’m not doing this to be any less than a world champion.

What do you think the future of MMA looks like?

Its endless…little kids are training MMA now…and some of them are so good its just insane. When they grow up…today’s fighters will seem like nothing in comparison

What would you like to see happen?

It’s already happening. The UFC is giving health and life insurance to every fighter signed with them…outside of the cage too. It’s great to see fighters getting taken care of. Not having that stress allows fighters to worry less and train harder…this equals better fights. Everyone wins.

What are the best MMA schools on the Westside?

PKG in Culver City

What advice would you give to those who are interested in getting into MMA/becoming a fighter?

If you are gonna do it, then do it 100% Its not as glorious as it looks, you have to go through a lot of ups and downs and a lot of injuries and pain. If you are gonna take the risk then you owe it to yourself and your loved ones that you don’t half ass anything

If you could change anything you have done on your training path what would it be and why?

I would have trained harder and been less distracted early in my career.  I also would go back and wrestle in high school.  But timing is everything and I’m where I am supposed to be right now. I am focused, and determined.  The mistakes I made early ensures I won’t make them later when it really counts. So I guess I really wouldn’t change anything.

Tell us something not many people know about you.

I am a nice guy…everyone assumes I am an asshole. I guess I just look like an asshole!

Any secret powers?

Way too many to list! I’m special….I rode the short bus.

So when’s the next fight so we can plug you?

I will be fighting in Los Angeles in September…stay tuned for details…but its gonna be a good one!!!

AND the Venice questions:

Describe Venice in 5 words: Beautiful, unique, grimy, real, fun

What is your favorite thing about Venice? The people.

What is your least favorite thing about Venice? The people.

What is your favorite spot in Venice to grub? Gonna have to plug two spots! Poke Poke…and Sauce!

What is your idea of a perfect day in Venice? Wake up and start the day off right with a trip to Gold’s, followed by Sauce for breakfast. Then put in some beach time and end up at The Whaler.

What will you miss most about Venice? I will miss everything. Venice to me is one of the most amazing places on Earth. I always wanted to live here. I am very grateful I got the chance…and who knows I just may be back one day!!!

And although we Venecians are sad to see him leave, you can’t keep a shooting star.  His destiny is too great and too bright to contain to the 90291, so we must let him go and cheer him to on to sweet victory.  We’re all rooting for you.  Represent us well.

Jill’s note: Devon, I love you dearly and know that you are well on your way to being the champion that you are. Never forget: We’ll always have Venice. <3

“When the Way comes to an end, then change –

having changed, you pass through.” – I Ching