10 Questions With Matthias Riccio (by Darrick Patrick)
Matthias "The Fire" Riccio is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Cage Rage, Ultimate Combat, Shooto, Durata Fights, Night Of The Gladiators, World Absolute Fight Federation, Cage Wars, and Golden Trophy.
Darrick: How did you end up fighting professionally in mixed martial arts?
Matthias: I started Karate at six years old and was with that until I saw UFC on TV when I was eighteen. Then, I understood what a real fight was and that I had many things to learn! I then started wrestling, Pancrase, kickboxing, and boxing. Fighting has always been in my family’s blood - sportively or not.
Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?
Matthias: My father, and my brother Damien!
Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?
Matthias: All sessions are different every day since MMA is so big! Let’s talk about a typical training day: the morning is for working stamina and/or body resistance. I’ll rest in the afternoon and the evening is for boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, or grappling - but all of these sports are with the final aim of being effective in MMA. A session should depend on your next opponent!
Darrick: You have a match coming up on April 19th against Alessandro De Oliveira. Are there any special preparations being made for this fight?
Matthias: The fight got cancelled - he shitted himself when he found out that I was the opponent! No problems, there are other opportunities coming soon. One of my teammates will make his pro debut this day though!
Darrick: What would you say to younger individuals looking to compete in mixed martial arts?
Matthias: It’s the sport of the future - the way of respect! MMA is a good choice, but long is the road. Never be in a hurry.
Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?
Matthias: Of course Fedor Emelianenko - he’s very effective and humble. I also always like Rickson Gracie’s personality! My friend Francisco Nonato for his incredible natural power and his ground game. And my crazy friend Jérôme Le Banner - he’s fought and killed monsters much bigger than him, although he’s only a kicker!
Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?
Matthias: Driving motorcycles for speed and sensation, as well as traveling. I also listen to and play a lot of music - I had a punk group when I was younger.
Darrick: If you had 24 hours left to live, how would you spend that time?
Matthias: It depends on what kind of death, but I guess I would call and try to meet all of my closest friends and family members one last time to say, "Thanks for all and I’ll see you in another life..."
Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.
Matthias: I have never had time to seriously prepare for a pro fight! (Laughs) I’ve always been a last minute (a few days or few weeks) opponent. For example: I accepted the fight against Manhoef on two day’s notice, Wild - three days, Guillet - three weeks, and the second fight with Riscado was two weeks.
That’s my personality. Even though I wasn’t ready at all, I made some fights because my blood is like that! I like these kind of surprises. I know I will do it again, that’s my character - but only in good shape next time!
Darrick: What is your oldest memory?
Matthias: I ignited a fire in the toilets of my home when I was a kid! I was terrified, but managed to stop it alone - then I discreetly left the toilets as if nothing had happened. My parents smelled it and asked for an explanation that I couldn’t give! My dad, for once, didn’t hit me. He just took one of my fingers and burnt it for about ten seconds. I immediately understood how "The Fire" could be dangerous! (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 Matthias Riccio in the following places:
Official Matthias Riccio MySpace Profile:
http://www.myspace.com/matthiasriccio
Official Matthias Riccio YouTube Site:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MATTtheFIRE
Matthias Riccio on Fight Finder:
http://www.cdn.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=1344
Matthias Riccio Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:
http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=1344@@Matthias%20Riccio
Tags: Matthias Riccio Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts
