10 Questions With Josh Riley (by Darrick Patrick)
Josh "The Bulldog" Riley is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as the Charity Fight Series and Ohio Fighting Alliance. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Eric Slocum on July 12th, 2008 at a Higher Power Promotions event.
Darrick: What led you to professional mixed martial arts competition?
Josh: I got into the sport by watching Rob Wince. My pro career began kind of by accident - I fought for the Ohio Fighting Alliance and accepted money for the fight. That grandfathered me into being pro.
Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?
Josh: Train hard, and make sure your coaches and training partners know what they are doing. And cardio, train your cardio. Your skills don't matter if you're tired and can't fight.
Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?
Josh: Wince - he's the reason I fight. He's a tough coach to train with, but I learn new things every night. He makes you a better fighter every time you train. Also, I give credit to Matt Evans, who coaches Team HAVOC out of Newark, Ohio. He's a great coach and has a great group of guys to work with.
Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?
Josh: It's a test of skill and heart. There's no team in the ring with you, it's just you and the opponent. That can make or break you in a fight.
Darrick: Generally speaking, what does a "normal" training session for you consist of?
Josh: Cardio is always first when we train, then we work hands, and then turn to straight grappling. Two nights a week we end out our night with sparring.
Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?
Josh: My parents. They don't support me fighting, but they showed tough love and it's made me who I am.
Darrick: Outside of competitive fighting, what are your other interests?
Josh: I am into motorcycles and customizing cars. I do a lot of auto detailing and I just discovered Guitar Hero, so I spend a lot of time on my PS3.
Darrick: If you were falling from an airplane with no parachute, what thoughts do you believe would be going through your head?
Josh: "This is gonna' hurt". I would never be falling from an airplane though because I am afraid of heights.
Darrick: What is your oldest memory?
Josh: That's a tough one...I would have to say the day I met my biological father.
Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.
Josh: At this moment, I now live in Pennsylvania. Most people didn't know I moved - it was a spur of the moment thing, but I will still be in Ohio fighting. There are some great promoters in Ohio and I look forward to fighting again.
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 Josh Riley in the following places:
Official Josh Riley MySpace Profile:
http://www.myspace.com/ragin_redneck81
Josh Riley on Fight Finder:
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=8866
Tags: Josh Riley Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts
