Former Couture Coach Neil Melanson Joins Blackzilians, Says CM Punk Victory is a Big Ask

After making a name for himself in the mixed martial arts community by training Randy Couture and coaching at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, Neil Melanson moved to San Diego and began working at Alliance MMA with the likes of former UFC champion Dominick Cruz and former Bellator titleholder Michael Chandler.

Seeking to branch out, Melanson worked with Anthony “Rumble” Johnson prior to his fight with Daniel Cormier at UFC 187 in May. Through that relationship, he decided to make the move to Florida and begin coaching the Blackzilians.

“Within two or three days (after the Cormier fight) A.J. was calling me and asking what I needed to come here,” Melanson told MMAWeekly.com.

“Honestly, I was interested because I like a new challenge. I was happy at Alliance, but the thing is that while it’s a great camp and training place, out in California it is tough to make a living. Out here I have the opportunity to make a living and still work with some awesome athletes.”

As for what Melanson feels he can bring to the Blackzilians, it’s not so much a change in what they do, but more so complementing the structure that is already there and adding to it in his own ways.

“A lot of it is my assessment of MMA grappling,” said Melanson. “Things like creating MMA sequences: strikes all the way to the ground, natural counters, where we can go, how much time you have. It’s based more on striking on the ground, honestly, and very few submissions.

“They already have the tile laid, so I’m like the grout that fills in all the cracks. I also have specific athletes I am here for, like A.J. I’m back to training Vitor (Belfort) again for the first time in three years, and it’s like old times, and I’m enjoying it a lot.”

During his time at Xtreme Couture, Melanson trained WWE superstar Daniel Bryan, so he had some insight into a fellow pro wrestler who will be making his UFC debut in the future in CM Punk.

RELATED > Don’t Underestimate CM Punk, but He Suspects His First Opponent Will

“Daniel Bryan is very athletic and is very strong,” said Melanson. “He can really roll. I’ve used him as a training partner for Randy Couture and Frank Trigg. With CM Punk, if he’s really committed to this and has good coaches around, yeah he’s gonna get better, but to go with no amateur fights right to the UFC, I don’t know.

“I’m wishing the guy best of luck, but there are some animals in the UFC right now, and at 185 pounds, 170 pounds, I don’t care, you don’t want to have your first fight in there. I admire the guy going for it, and hopefully he pulls it off, and I’d love to see him win, but that’s asking a lot.”

As for Melanson himself, he feels that his move to the Blackzilians is the start of something big for him in the coming year.

“My book, Mastering Triangle Chokes, has been out a while and done well, and my website is being redone and will be unveiled soon, so I think you’re going to start seeing a lot from me in the next year,” said Melanson.

“I’m focusing more on things that’s going to allow me to coach and network my way out to people and teach them what I’ve learned over the years. Hopefully it will help them take some steps and improve a little sooner.”