10 Questions With Muhsin Corbbrey
Current mood: mellow
Category: Sports

10 Questions With Muhsin Corbbrey (by Darrick Patrick)

Muhsin "The Technician" Corbbrey is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as EliteXC, Reality Fighting, ShoXC, Champions Quest, World Vale Tudo Federation, and Reality Superfighting.  He is also a professional boxer with seven matches on his resume.

Darrick: What was the road that led you to competing in professional mixed martial arts?

Muhsin: I've been involved in martial arts since I was a kid, so I kind of always knew I would have a career in martial arts or fighting.  There comes a point when you want to test yourself and face your fears.

Darrick: Generally speaking, what does a typical training session for you consist of?

Muhsin: I'm up early every day for weight training and cardio.  I rest in the middle of the day and start back at six in the evening with BJJ technique for an hour.  After technique we drill and roll for an hour, and from eight to nine thirty every evening is Muay Thai/boxing training.

Darrick: Do you have any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Muhsin: It is a long, hard road.  Self-belief and desire equals success.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Muhsin: Master Lloyd Irvin - I want to emulate his success.  Manu N'toh has an iron will and his viciousness in the ring is legendary.  Also, Din Thomas is one of the craftiest and most skilled vets in the sport.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Muhsin: The setting and accomplishing of goals.  Also, knowing that I am involved in something that most men would never have the courage to attempt.

Darrick: Who is someone that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Muhsin: My big brother - he is one of the most straight-laced, wholeheartedly good people on the planet.  He's a great role model for anyone.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Muhsin: Educating the poor and the middle class, and helping them dig themselves out of the financial hole America has dug for them.  Also, making this country a better place for my son.  Lastly, boycotting Fox News.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Muhsin: I'm Muslim and I'm not in MMA to be a rock star.  I don't party, drink, or chase girls.  I hang out with my wife and son, pray, and accomplish goals.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Muhsin: Running around in Superman underwear and a cape while playing with my brother.

Darrick: If you were the last person alive on Earth, what do you think you'd do to entertain yourself?

Muhsin: I'd hunt grizzly bear with a pocket knife and talk to a soccer ball with a face painted on it.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Muhsin Corbbrey in the following places:

Official Muhsin Corbbrey MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/muhsincorbbrey

Muhsin Corbbrey on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/muhsin-corbbrey-2710

Muhsin Corbbrey Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/2710

6:02 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

10 Questions With Patrick Barrentine
Current mood: relaxed
Category: Sports

10 Questions With Patrick Barrentine (by Darrick Patrick)

Patrick "The Bear" Barrentine is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Gladiators Fighting Series, Next Level Fighting, Gracie Fighting League, Full Throttle, Real Fighting Championships, International Sport Combat Federation, Legends Of Fighting, Mixed Martial Arts Championship, Gracie Proving Ground, and Fightfest.  At the time of this interview, his next match was scheduled to be against Joe Mellotte but will now be with replacement Bobby Favors at Warrior Combat XXI on November 22nd, 2008.

Darrick: What was the journey that led you to professional mixed martial arts competition?

Patrick: I grew up wrestling all of my life and I started watching UFC when I was ten.  I remember walking into Blockbuster with my dad and seeing the cover of UFC 1 - after watching it, I fell in love instantly.  When I was about thirteen, I wanted to find something to keep me on the mat but also not get burnt out on wrestling.  So my dad and I signed up for BJJ, but my first instructor really didn't know it too well, so we all learned together.  Months later Jorge Gurgel showed up wanting a teaching job - he was a Blue belt then.  I did that for awhile but had to take a break for some years because wrestling was getting too involved.  I wanted to win a state title and there was no time for anything else.

I won a state title my senior year after second and third place finishes the years before and went on to college wrestling for WVU.  It didn't quite work out how I planned, so I came home after a year and a half.  Jorge had heard I was back in town and wanted me to come back to the gym.  By then he was already into his fight career and working with Rich Franklin.  I got my first fight three months after training and it was the biggest rush I had ever felt.  I had wrestled in front of 17,000 people, but fighting in front of that crowd of 700 was nerve-racking.  I'm 2-1 as an ammy and 9-3 as a pro.  I train with Robert Walker at Walker MMA and Bas Rutten's Team Prodigy now.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Patrick: Don't expect anything to be easy.  It's a hard life trying to make it in MMA and keep a job while you're trying to get in enough training hours.  It takes a special breed to survive MMA, just like wrestling - that's why everybody doesn't do it.  Just keep an open mind when you go to a gym and learn as much from everybody as you can, no matter how tough you think you are because there's always somebody better.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight was supposed to be with Joe Mellotte on November 22nd, but will now be against Bobby Favors.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Patrick: We just found out that Joe was suspended until February of 2009, so I'm fighting Bobby Favors now.  His record is 6-4 and I have fought him before.  I won by submission in one minute and fifty-two seconds, but I guess he's been doing quite well since then.  I'm really looking forward to fighting in front of my home crowd, it will be a good show at the Dayton Convention Center.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Patrick: My parents.  They are the best in the world and the most supportive.  My dad got me into MMA - he used to drive to North Dakota and Delaware to watch me wrestle.  My mom hates MMA and she used to cry when she watched me wrestle, but she still supports what I want to do with my life.  I couldn't have asked for a better support system.

Darrick: In your experience so far, what brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Patrick: I'm not going to lie - it's the win.  What's so crazy about standing toe to toe with someone saying "I am"?  (That's a quote from Rocky Balboa)  It's working your ass off and seeing what you got.  Also, the family attitude we as fighters have - we know what each other has to go through to get to the point we're at and we respect that.  I can fight someone and be friends with them afterwards.  It's not personal, it's just business.

Darrick: Where could you possibly see the future of the sport ten years from now?

Patrick: I'm hoping to see the sport grow some more so we can start making the money that boxing does.  Right now we are a business of pimps and hoes and I'm not trying to be funny, the promoters are the pimps and we are the hoes.  A promoter can always find somebody who will fight for less money.  I think I'm worth a certain amount, but it's hard for me to find fights at that amount because they will find someone who will undercut me.  We are underpaid for what we do.  We just sit at the table and hope for scraps to be thrown our way.  I hope to see that change.

Darrick: Outside of competitive fighting, what are your other interests?

Patrick: Music, dancing, and movies.  I love operas, musicals, plays, and any type of movie.  I love watching dancing, going out to the clubs, dancing, and I would love to learn how to ballroom dance.  Yeah, I know it's kind of weird for a fighter - I'm supposed to be the tough guy.

Darrick: What is your greatest memory?

Patrick: Winning the state title my senior year of high school.  I messed up my junior year and lost in double overtime in the finals.  Another year I had lost to the same kid in double overtime in the semis and took third place.  Finally in my senior year I was getting my butt kicked losing 9 to 3 in the third period, but I came back and won 11 to 10.  There was no better feeling - I cried, it was such a feeling of relief and success.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Patrick: I used to be in band and can play the clarinet, and I write poetry.

Darrick: If you had superpowers, what would they be?

Patrick: Super speed - it would really be useful as a heavyweight.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Patrick Barrentine in the following places:

Official Patrick Barrentine MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/pandabear666

Patrick Barrentine on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Patrick-Barrantine-14305

Patrick Barrentine Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/14305

6:20 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

10 Questions With Joe Mellotte
Current mood: working
Category: Sports

10 Questions With Joe Mellotte (by Darrick Patrick)

Joe Mellotte is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Legends Of Fighting, Extreme Fighting Challenge, Saturday Night At The Cage, Ohio Xtreme Fighting, Hammer House Cage Fighting, Chaos In The Cage, Hammer House Fight Night, Ohio Cage Fights, and Maximum Combat.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Patrick Barrentine at Warrior Combat XXI on November 22nd, 2008.

Darrick: How did you end up competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Joe: My buddy's Mustang broke down while we were on the way to Panama City Beach and we were stuck outside of Atlanta, Georgia.  They were having fights across the street from where we were staying for the night.  We went and checked it out - one of the main event fighters didn't show up, so they offered 1,500 dollars win or lose to anyone that would fight this guy from Canada.  I took them up on the offer and whooped the guy.  After I got back from Florida, I went to Hammer House and started training and fighting for Mark Coleman and Wes Sims.  The rest is history.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Joe: Actually, I went to a wrestling camp at OSU while in the seventh grade, so I have always looked up to Mark Coleman.  My family is also a big part of my life, I love them all very much.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Joe: Just being able to compete as a professional athlete, that was one of my childhood goals - and I love the way little kids look up to all of us fighters, pro and ammy.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Patrick Barrentine on November 22nd.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Joe: It's going to be tough.  He is a great wrestler and very strong, although I do have the upper hand on size and strength.  It's gonna' be a war for sure!

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Joe: That's a tricky question.  (Laughs)  There are so many shady promoters these days.  To date the best ones I have fought for would be Mike Patt of OXF and Rick Pyles of UVC - who is Sean Salmon's father-in-law.

Darrick: Do you have any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?

Joe: Train hard and never get discouraged.  There are only two ways to determine a fight, W - win and L - learning experience.

Darrick: Outside of martial arts, what are your other interests?

Joe: Football, bowling, and golf.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Joe: I'm a momma's boy.  (Laughs)

Darrick: If you were stuck in a bomb shelter for the rest of your life, what three items besides food and water would you take in with you?

Joe: Four ounce MMA gloves, a heavy bag, and a ground bag.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Joe: My first pet - my Pit Bull was stolen out of my backyard when I was five years old.  I loved that dog!

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Joe Mellotte in the following places:

Official Joe Mellotte MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/joemellotte

Joe Mellotte on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Joe-Mellotte-7504

6:06 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

10 Questions With Shane Carwin
Current mood: awake
Category: Sports

10 Questions With Shane Carwin (by Darrick Patrick)

Shane "The Monster" Carwin is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, World Extreme Cagefighting, Ring Of Fire, Art Of War, Ultimate Texas Showdown, and Extreme Wars.

Darrick: What was the path that led you to professional mixed martial arts competition?

Shane: The path that lead me to MMA was just to have the ability to continue being competitive.  Sports are something I have enjoyed my whole life - from high level college sports to NFL camp.  This was the perfect way for me to continue my love for competition.

Darrick: Who is someone in the sport that you highly respect?

Shane: I respect Randy Couture for his humble, respectful attitude and he is simply an excellent fighter.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Shane: The bottom line is to make sure you are having fun.  You need to enjoy the sport first and foremost.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Shane: I attain the most fulfillment from the competition, but I also value and enjoy the sense of family it provides.  I feel fortunate to have my own family and an extended family through MMA.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Shane: My mom, my grandma, my brothers, and my college wrestling coach Greg Waggoner.

Darrick: What does a "normal" training session for you consist of?

Shane: A typical day consists of morning strength and conditioning, then in the afternoon it's boxing, BJJ, and wrestling.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Shane: Enjoying time with my wife, hunting, fishing, and spending time with my friends.

Darrick: If you had 24 hours left to live, how would you spend that time?

Shane: With my wife on the beach.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Shane: Crying when my mom dropped me off at my first day of preschool.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Shane: When I'm at home, I like to dance for my wife.  (Laughs)

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Shane Carwin in the following places:

Official Shane Carwin MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/shanecarwin

Shane Carwin on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/shane-carwin-14013

Shane Carwin Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/14013

6:09 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

10 Questions With Chad Griggs
Current mood: mellow
Category: Sports

10 Questions With Chad Griggs (by Darrick Patrick)

Chad "The Grave Digger" Griggs is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as the International Fight League, Rage In The Cage, All Power Combat, Worldwide Fighting Championship, and Total Fighting Alliance.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Rich Beecroft at Conflict Cage Fighting 1 on November 22nd, 2008.

Darrick: What was the journey that led you to professional mixed martial arts competition?

Chad: I was invited by a friend to come and try some mixed martial arts.  It just so happened that it was the same place the legendary Don Frye trained and he was preparing for an upcoming fight.  He was in need of some bodies to beat on and before I knew it the guy I had always admired in MMA was kicking my butt.  That was it - I was hooked and Don seemed to like me because I just kept coming back for more.  So about two years later, I had my first MMA fight.

Darrick: Do you have any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?

Chad: If you want to fight, put your time in at the dojo and train with some people who know the sport.  It will give you the training and confidence that you need to be successful.  Don't just jump into the cage or you'll be done before you even get started!

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Chad: My parents and grandparents are by far the most influential people in my life.  They have set the standards for me and have taught me what is most important in life and not to get caught up in the whole "worldly" thing.

Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?

Chad: My workouts are always changing depending on who it is I'm fighting, such as finding their weaknesses to expose, but for the most part my sessions are usually about two and a half hours long - morning and night.  We will go over some techniques, get warmed up, and get a sweat going.  Three days a week we spar in the morning, two days we grapple in the morning.  On two days we'll grapple at night, two we spar at night, and one day we put it all together and have full MMA.  You have to be well-rounded now to get anywhere.  Somewhere in the mix of my training, I also fit weights in three or four times a week.

Darrick: Who is someone in the sport that you highly respect?

Chad: I will always hold Don Frye at the top of my list - he has been a huge part of who and what I want to become in MMA.  I don't care how old he is or is getting, he will always be one tough son of a bitch who fought his heart out and wasn't afraid to fight anyone.  I almost think he likes pain.

Darrick: What personally brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Chad: There are so many benefits to martial arts.  Whether you're wanting to compete or not, it is fun and rewarding - not to mention you stay in great shape.  Although I will say there is nothing like the feeling of victory at the end of a fight when your hand is raised and you have conquered.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Chad: I work for the Tucson Fire Department and I am a paramedic for them.  I also am married, have two kids, and I'm active in church - so, put all that together and it's a pretty good juggling act.  I'm not complaining though.  I love every aspect of my life and you have to be well-balanced!

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Chad: I don't know, I can't remember that far back.  (Laughs)  Probably my oldest memory is of my great grandpa teaching me how to set traps, catch, and skin squirrels and rabbits.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Chad: Despite what some people think about fighters, we are not all bad.  I am a very easy going guy and it takes someone really trying to piss me off before I get upset.  I think when I spend so much time in the gym fighting and proving myself, outside of the gym I am willing to take quite a bit of harassment without the need to show my dominance - but for all you fighters out there wanting a piece of me, don't mistake patience for weakness!

Darrick: What moments in your life have you been proudest of so far?

Chad: I have proud moments in many areas of life.  Obviously, my wife and kids are most precious to me and I like to think of myself as a decent husband and father.  I am proud to be a firefighter and think of this as a great accomplishment and an honor to be able to help people who are in situations where emergency help is needed.  I feel I have come a long way in the MMA world.  I'm now 8-1, but I feel I have a bit more to prove before it's all said and done.  I have a fight in a couple of weeks on the 22nd of November and after that my goal is to get into Japan - and I see it happening very soon thanks to my management team Fight Legion, who has taken very good care of me.  So, keep an eye out for The Grave Digger, I plan on making a little dust in the near future.  Please check out my website at www.chadgriggs.com and special thanks to Mr. Patrick for taking the time to interview me!

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Chad Griggs in the following places:

Official Chad Griggs Website:

http://www.chadgriggs.com

Official Chad Griggs MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/chadgriggs

Official Fight Legion Site:

http://www.fightlegion.com

Chad Griggs on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Chad-Griggs-15932

Chad Griggs Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/15932

6:13 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

10 Questions With Derrick Noble
Current mood: relaxed
Category: Sports

10 Questions With Derrick Noble (by Darrick Patrick)

Derrick Noble is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Bodog Fight, Hardcore Championship Fighting, SportFight, International Sport Combat Federation, Absolute Fighting Championships, Eau Claire Throwdown, Mix Fighting Championships, Madtown Throwdown, Silverback Classic, Xtreme Kage Kombat, Combat-Do Fighting Challenge, Ironheart Crown, Freestyle Combat Challenge, Euphoria, HOOKnSHOOT, and River Plex Rumble.

Darrick: What led you to competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Derrick Noble: I saw UFC 2 in high school around '94 and I was hooked from there.  I began training with some guys, MMA events started popping up around the Midwest, and I started fighting in 2000.  I love the sport, I love the training, and I can't think of anything I would rather do - outside of an endless supply of hot chicks.

Darrick: Generally speaking, what does a typical training session for you consist of?

Derrick Noble: It depends on the day, but throughout the week I work Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, striking, and sparring.  I also do weights and cardio five days a week.  I have great training partners that are experts in each area, so I get good training.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Derrick Noble: My step-dad had a lot of influence on me athletically.  He always pushed me to work hard and be disciplined.  If I only knew in high school what I know now, his input would have had a lot more effect.  My mother has also always supported me and having the support of family is the biggest motivating factor to succeed for me.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Derrick Noble: Find a good place to train.  Training with your buddies will only get you so far.  You need to have people that are experts in the different areas for MMA.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Derrick Noble: I respect a lot of fighters.  I am also a fan of several fighters.  GSP, Wanderlei, Cro Cop, Rizzo, and Fedor are just a few of the guys I always root for.  My training partners at Minnesota Martial Arts Academy are guys that I respect.  They work very hard and are very disciplined in training and it has helped me a lot.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Derrick Noble: The camaraderie of the guys that I train with.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Derrick Noble: I enjoy music and movies, but honestly most of my life revolves around MMA.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Derrick Noble: Sometimes during emotional movies I'll shed a tear.  Did I just say that?

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Derrick Noble: This interview.  Alcohol has destroyed my memory.

Darrick: If you had 24 hours left to live, how would you spend that time?

Derrick Noble: Twenty-two hours with my family and friends.  Two hours with a group of hot chicks.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Derrick Noble in the following places:

Official Derrick Noble Website:

http://www.derricknoble.com

Official Derrick Noble MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/derrickd78

Minnesota Martial Arts Academy:

http://mmaacombatzone.com

Derrick Noble on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/derrick-noble-4556

Derrick Noble Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/4556

6:21 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

10 Questions With Gerald Harris
Current mood: working
Category: Sports

10 Questions With Gerald Harris (by Darrick Patrick)

Gerald "Hurricane" Harris is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as the International Fight League, C3 Fights, Fight Time Productions, Titan Fighting Championships, Freestyle Cage Fighting, and Full Contact Fighting Promotions.  He was also on the seventh season of the television show The Ultimate Fighter.

Darrick: What was the path that led you to competing in professional mixed martial arts?

Gerald: It was the "broke" path.  Honestly, I was struggling financially and a close friend that owned a MMA gym convinced me to fight for six hundred dollars.  I was only supposed to do it once, but I did so good that people asked for me in other shows.  I was teaching part time, so I decided to quit and dedicate all of my time to MMA.  Oh yeah, before that the last time I was in a fight was in the sixth grade.  I won, but it wasn't easy.

Darrick: In your experience so far, what brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Gerald: I love winning.  It feels so good to train, compete, and accomplish a goal.  I'm not into fighting - I don't even like hurting people, but it's either me or him and I gotta' put food on the table.  So, somebody has to get beat up and it ain't gon' be me!

Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?

Gerald: Well, my first year of fighting I trained myself.  From August of 2006 to August 2007, I trained myself as I coached a high school wrestling team.  After my first two IFL losses, I moved to Oregon and joined Team Quest.  It was great, but I'm no longer with them.  I train with Rampage Jackson in England, California, and also with Arizona Combat Sports in Phoenix.  When I'm home I train with Ghost Dog Boxing, it's an old school gym and I love it.  Oh yeah, the answer to the question - I wrestle, box, kickbox, and spar MMA all week.  I feel that I am a true mixed martial artist now and not just a wrestler.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Gerald: Rampage obviously, because I know him as a person and not as a TV personality.  St. Pierre for his skills and attitude.  B.J. Penn for his passion and dedication to the sport.  I have a few more, but my other answers are long enough already.  I'm not trying to put anyone asleep.

Darrick: Do you have any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?

Gerald: Train - this is not a gimmick.  It's all fun until you actually get in the cage.  Your life is at risk, so prepare for everything.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Gerald: My parents.

Darrick: Outside of competitive fighting, what are your other interests?

Gerald: Art, family, and eating!  I love art, if you check my MySpace folder you can see some of my work.  Family is great also because I have two children, and I eat everything in sight when I'm not training for a fight.  I didn't mean to make that rhyme.

Darrick: If you were the last person alive on Earth, what do you think you'd do to entertain yourself?

Gerald: Um, I don't think you want to know.  (Smiles)  I'm trying to keep this interview clean.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Gerald: I was so broke in college that I used to steal food from people when they weren't in their dorm rooms.  They used to leave their doors open, so I would run in and do a snatch and grab.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Gerald: When I came out of the womb, the doctor slapped my ass and my daddy punched him in the face.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Gerald Harris in the following places:

Official Gerald Harris Website:

http://www.geraldhurricaneharris.com

Official Gerald Harris MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/g1906

Gerald Harris on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Gerald-Harris-17903

Gerald Harris Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/17903

6:32 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

10 Questions With Wilson Reis
Current mood: awake
Category: Sports

10 Questions With Wilson Reis (by Darrick Patrick)

Wilson Reis is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as EliteXC, Combat In The Cage, ShoXC, and Extreme Challenge.  He was also the EliteXC Bantamweight Champion and is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt.

Darrick: What was the journey that led you to professional mixed martial arts competition?

Wilson: A few years ago, I saw all of my friends from Brazil and really good Jiu-Jitsu fighters take the next step and get into MMA.  I talked to my friends about doing MMA and it was Brad Daddis who pushed me for my first fight, and of course myself because I was really excited to take this sport to the next level.

Darrick: Do you have any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?

Wilson: I think that if a person has a goal or a dream, then they should definitely go for it.  When I was a kid, I had a dream and I followed it.  With the right gym and coach, I made my dream happen.  And the same thing can happen for anyone who wants to compete in MMA.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Wilson: A lot of fighters that I know personally, the coach that was coaching me as a teenager, Roberto Godói, and Jorge Macaco.  Also, my family played an important role as well.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Wilson: I love the whole process of training and getting ready for a fight or even a Jiu-Jitsu match.  Also, the whole lifestyle of the sport and being able to make my family back home and teammates happy and proud of me.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Wilson: I respect Minotauro because as a person he is a great individual and as an athlete he is just all-around amazing.  I also like Kenny Florian, Eddie Alvarez, Anderson Silva, and B.J. Penn.  Really though, there are so many good fighters out there.

Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?

Wilson: Two workouts a day and teaching classes.  Conditioning in the morning, boxing or MMA in the afternoon, and class at night.  Every day is different though, so it really depends on the day.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Wilson: I love going for coffee, and catching up with my family and friends.  And I can't get enough of Jiu-Jitsu.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Wilson: People don't know that I'm not good with spicy food and I like Hip Hop music.

Darrick: If you had superpowers, what would they be?

Wilson: I would be able to point my finger at people and make them happy and full of life.  Especially the poor people.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Wilson: When I was two years old, my grandfather threw a rock at a rooster so that it would move out of my playing area - he missed and hit me on accident.  I now have a scar above my lip to show for this past event.  Also, in closing I would like to thank my coaches, family, and sponsors (Bad Boy, FightPlanet.ca, P90X, and FightMA.com)

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Wilson Reis in the following places:

Official Wilson Reis MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/63125754

Wilson Reis on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/wilson-reis-23401

Wilson Reis Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/23401

6:34 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

10 Questions With Tamdan McCrory
Current mood: mellow
Category: Sports

10 Questions With Tamdan McCrory (by Darrick Patrick)

Tamdan "The Barn Cat" McCrory is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, World Fighting League, Cage Fury Fighting Championships, Full Force Productions, and Combat Zone.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Dustin Hazelett at UFC 91 on November 15th, 2008.

Darrick: What was the road that led you to professional mixed martial arts competition?

Tamdan: I am quite a misanthrope and through a series of coincidences I met my trainer and now good friend Erik Charles.  I hated the world for a while and wanted to kick everyone's ass.  I kept training hard and getting my ass kicked, but eventually I became good and went on a tear winning my first ten fights along with signing with the UFC.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Tamdan: Just keep your head up and keep training hard.  If you're doing the right things with the right people, eventually everything will fall into place.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Tamdan: Obviously my coaches who have put up with me for forever to make me the athlete and fighter that I am today.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Dustin Hazelett on November 15th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Tamdan: He's obviously good on the ground and has been around the block a few times.  It'll be an exciting fight and hopefully it'll make the broadcast.

Darrick: What personally brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Tamdan: I guess the most fulfillment I get out of martial arts is seeing those that I coach succeed and excel.  When you take someone who came from nothing and mold them into a monster that then challenges you, it's a very rewarding feeling.  I look forward to seeing the guys that I train and train with succeed in the next couple of years.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Tamdan: Everyone that hated on me, all the people that pushed me around, and my coaches and friends now that brought me back up and made me a monster.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Tamdan: Playing video games (Zelda of course and other fantasy titles), boozin' out on the town, chasing women, throwin' a good chaw in here and there - all the usual things a 21-year-old likes, I guess.  I plan on spending a lot of time doing all of those things after I gain another W with this fight.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Tamdan: If I told you, then everyone would know, right?  Then there'd be no secrets.  Really, I can't think of anything at the moment.  Try back in a couple weeks.  (Laughs)

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Tamdan: I remember when I was about two and first learned how to climb out of my crib.  Well, I made it over the side and I fell off it and smacked the ground in the middle of the night while trying to go jump in my parent's bed.

Darrick: If you had superpowers, what would they be?

Tamdan: The ability to live a stress-free life.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Tamdan McCrory in the following places:

Official Tamdan McCrory Website:

http://www.thebarncat.net

Official Tamdan McCrory MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/thebarncat

Tamdan McCrory on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Tamdan-McCrory-16470

5:38 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

10 Questions With Travis Fulton
Current mood: relaxed
Category: Sports

10 Questions With Travis Fulton (by Darrick Patrick)

Travis "The Ironman" Fulton is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, World Extreme Cagefighting, International Fight League, King Of The Cage, Pancrase, Cedar Valley Fighting Association, Extreme Challenge, American Fighting Association, Max Fights, Iowa Challenge, Smash MMA, Fightfest, Revolution Cage Fighting, Ironman Competition, Northstar Fighting Association, Royalty Fight Night, International Fighting Championship, Rumble On The River, Friday Night Throwdown, Rochester Fights, Spring Brawl, Xtreme Kage Kombat, All Fighting Championships, Downtown Destruction, Judgement Night, River City Fight Club, Ultimate Throwdown, Iowa Extreme Fighting, Dangerzone, Bar Room Brawl, Victory Fighting Championships, Reality Submission Fighting, Cage Fighting Monterrey, SuperBrawl, Xtreme Cage Fighter, Kickfest, Durata Fights, and Independence Day Showdown.

He also has appeared in the Freestyle Combat Challenge, International Fighting Alliance, Sabin Showdown, International Cage Combat, CAGE, Minnesota Extreme Fight, Rage In The Cage, Sokol Hall Brawl, Blairstown Brawl, Extreme Combat, Thursday Night Fights, Iowa Challenge Eliminations, Ultimate Submission Challenge, Cagefighter Championships, American Reality Combat Federation, Lincoln Fights, Rock N Rumble, Gladiators, Extreme Boxing, Tuesday Night Fights, Millennium Brawl, Iowa Vale Tudo Championships, Ultimate Wrestling, Iowa Free Fight, Rings, Holiday Fight Party, Lionheart Invitational, Midwest Fighting Championship, Absolute Face Off, Cage Combat, Neutral Grounds, HOOKnSHOOT, New Year's Eve Knockout, Submission Fighting Championships, World Vale Tudo Championship, Kombat Zone, Fearless Freestyle Fighting, Rock N Brawl, Southern Iowa Ultimate Fighting, Friday Night Fights, Ultimate Enticer, and Brawl At The Ballpark.

At the time of this interview, Fulton notably and respectably has over 240 professional mixed martial arts matches to his credit.  The website Sherdog.com currently lists his record with a total of 189 wins, 45 losses, 10 draws, and 1 no contest.  He is also a professional boxer with over thirty-five matches on his resume.

Darrick: What led you to competing in professional mixed martial arts?

Travis: To be honest, I have always wanted to be a fighter.  At first I was mainly interested in boxing, but then the movie Bloodsport was released and I became obsessed with it.  I was convinced that I was going to enter the Kumite and win.  It wasn't until I had actually started fighting that I found out that the Kumite was completely fictional and the movie wasn't based on any facts whatsoever.

Darrick: Who is someone that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Travis: My dad, of course.  He was always into sports and encouraged my brothers and I to play.  Although he didn't force us to play the sports that he liked, let alone make us play.  In fact, my little brother wasn't much of an athlete and didn't compete in any sports after junior high.  My dad worked third shift, but would still skip sleep on Saturday mornings to watch a wrestling meet, baseball, or football game.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Travis: If you'd have asked me five years ago, I would have had plenty of tips to give.  These days...well, I just don't know.  The sport has changed a lot.

Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?

Travis: People might be shocked to find out that I train far more now than I did when I first began fighting.  Heck, even when I was fighting in the actual UFC I was training maybe one day a week.  It was a mental thing.  Now, I go to kickboxing class at my gym and I'll stick around afterwards to grapple.  So basically it's working focus mits, bags, and light sparring.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Travis: Once again, the sport has evolved and unfortunately, so have the people in it.  I've only met Randy Couture once - he was a nice guy and he seems really down-to-earth.  I think he's a great spokesman for the sport.  A lot of the other guys that I knew before they became "stars" turned into dickheads once they became MMA celebrities.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Travis: Yet again, had you asked me five years ago, my answer would have been much different.  These days I just like the way I feel after a tough training session.  Like I actually accomplished something.

Darrick: Outside of competitive fighting, what are your other interests?

Travis: I'm a complete nerd. (Laughs) I collect baseball cards, I like to fish, read a lot, hang out with my daughter, play softball all summer long, and spend entirely too much money on porno.

Darrick: What moments in your life have you been proudest of so far?

Travis: The weird thing is that I accomplished a lot of great things in high school sports, but at the time they were sort of meaningless to me.  I didn't really think that I had done much of anything.  To win a big wrestling match or come through with a clutch hit in a baseball game didn't mean a lot.  Really, I just couldn't wait to get home and play Nintendo.  I'm not very satisfied with where I've taken my fighting career, so I'm not really all that proud of what I've accomplished there.  So if anything, I'd say being a good father to my child would probably be my greatest accomplishment.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Travis: I'll spare you the perverted response to this question and give you a rated G fact about myself...um, I'm related to Abraham Lincoln.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Travis: I remember being at the hospital and my dad taking me to a room to pick out a toy to play with.  I asked my mother and she said that I was two years old when that happened.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Travis Fulton in the following places:

Official Travis Fulton MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/ironmanfulton

Travis Fulton on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Travis-Fulton-80

Travis Fulton Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/80

Travis Fulton on BoxRec.com:

http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=18561&cat=boxer

5:08 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment