Catch Frank's son in action at one of five of Station Casinos' UFC 111 Viewing Parties on Saturday.

AS SECURITY DIRECTOR at Green Valley Ranch, Frank Mir is in charge of ensuring a safe and secure environment for both guests and Team Members. As father of a heavyweight UFC fighter, he has to control that same urge to “keep anyone from hurting my boy.” Frank Mir III, the son and UFC fighter, is headlining (along with St. Pierre vs. Hardy) this weekend’s UFC 111 card versus Shane Carwin (see Viewing Party locations at Station Casinos and UFC 111 fight card). The SC Blog caught up with the senior Mir to talk about work, his lifetime passion for martial arts and what it’s like to watch his son in the ring.

SC BLOG: How long have you worked at Station Casinos?
FM: 15 years this June.

What are your duties as Security Director at Green Valley Ranch?
I oversee the daily operations of the department. I’m responsible for the standards, policies and procedures and ensuring a safe and secure environment of both guests and Team Members, and company assets.

What do you like about your work?
Interaction with the Team Members, and the development of future leaders.

Over here for information about our UFC Viewing Parties for this weekend!

Your son, Frank III, is a UFC heavyweight fighter, what is your history with martial arts?
I’ve been involved in the martial arts since the age of 13. Even though I trained in various styles, I spend the majority of my training in the art of Kenpo, which is a mixture of various arts. There was a time when I owned a commercial martial art school, however, I felt that teaching commercially water-downed the art since not everyone trained from the heart. I felt a greater accomplishment when I taught a few students, who were truly interested in learning and training, from the house garage.

What are some of the benefits of karate for men or women of any age?
Training in the martial arts opens up your mind awareness, anticipation and adaptability to change. You will learn about your physical limitations as well as your strengths.

How much influence did you have on your son’s growing up and learning his trade?
Being his father and his first teacher in life, I did influence my son’s interest in the martial arts, especially when he spent the majority of his early childhood and teen years in a martial art environment. He listened to discussions of concepts, theories and learning how to understand the mental and physical reactions of the human being in combat.

Was he always a tough kid?
Yes, mentally and physically years ahead of his age group but always had happy-go-lucky approach to life. He never let anyone outside his inner circle know of his training. The approach is ‘on the-need-to-know basis’

How involved are you in your son’s career now?
100%

So you watch his fights. Are you nervous when watching?
Being one of the trainers, I’m at each fight working his corner. I’m nervous at every fight but I just need to control the parental urge of jumping in the ring and keep anyone from hurting my boy. However, I know that I have to keep my emotions in check and my mind clear so I can assist him with instructions during the heat of battle.

What does his mother think about all this fighting?
His mother is also a martial artist and understands Frank’s love for the martial arts and supports him every step of the way.

Five of Station Casinos‘ Las Vegas Hotel Casinos will be hosting UFC 111 Viewing Parties this Saturday night, March 27, 2010. Here’s where and when. Come join the fun!

Aliante Station Casino + Hotel - 6pm Doors Open, Scottsdale Ballroom, $20
7300 Aliante Parkway, North Las Vegas, NV 89084
Phone: (877) 477-SOAR (7627) or (702) 692-7777

Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa, Casino - 6pm Doors Open, Ovation Lounge, $20
2300 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson, NV 89052
Reservations: 702.617.7413

Palace Station – 6pm Doors Open, Grand Ballroom, $20
2411 W. Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Phone: (702) 367-2411

Red Rock Casino, Resort, Spa – 6pm Doors Open, Rocks Lounge, $20
11011 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89135
Reservations: 702.797.7517

Sunset Station – 5pm Doors Open, Club Madrid, $20
1301 W. Sunset Rd, Henderson, NV 89014
Reservations: 702.547.7804

UFC fight card*  Georges St-Pierre (19-2-0) vs. Dan Hardy (23-6-0-1 NC) Frank Mir (13-4-0) vs. Shane Carwin (11-0-0) Ben Saunders (8-1-2) vs. Jake Ellenberger (22-5-0) John Fitch (24-3-1-1 NC) vs. Mark Bocek (8-2-0) Nate Diaz (11-5-0) vs. Rory Markham (16-5-0)* Ricardo Almeida (11-3-0) vs. Matt Brown (13-7-0)* Kurt Pellegrino (20-4-0) vs. Fabricio Camoes (10-4-1)* Rodney Wallace (9-1-0) vs. Jared Hamman (11-2-0)* Rousimar Palhares (19-2-0) vs. Tomasz Drwal (17-2-0)* Matthew Riddle (3-1-0) vs. Greg Soto (7-0-0)* Source: www.UFC.com. Fight card subject to change, and *some fights may not be televised.