10 Questions With Dave Drago (by Darrick Patrick)
Dave Drago is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Combat In The Cage and Ring Of Combat. At the time of this interview, he will be returning to the United States next month in June of 2008 to resume his MMA career.
Darrick: How did you end up competing in professional mixed martial arts?
Dave: That is a funny thing, I took it on as a bet. I never actually thought I would do it. With growing up training in several different martial arts styles, my friends would always say that I should do it. I was watching the UFC and noticed that no one knows how to throw a jab. So, my friend got me my first fight for Evolved Fighting out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I walked in and three straight rights later, I walked out with my first knockout. That was what started it all.
Darrick: What have you been up to since your last fight?
Dave: Since my last fight, I have had to take a step back and look at my training and conditioning. For the last year I have been deployed to Kuwait with the National Guard where I have nothing but time to train and get healthy. I've been training with everyone - Navy Boxing, Japanese Judo team, Korean TKD, and several other MMA fighters in the military here. I have learned so much from so many different styles of fighters from all over the world. Currently, I am looking for a good manager looking for a fighter that takes this career serious and has a "whatever it takes" mindset. Also, setting up my fights for my return back home.
Darrick: Who is someone that greatly influenced you while growing up?
Dave: I think that the success of my uncle, Bruce Drago, is what influenced me growing up. Now, he is in the Black Belt Hall of Fame. Soon, I will be too.
Darrick: Do you have any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?
Dave: It is not easy, but it is a life changer! Physically, mentally, and emotionally. Push yourself and take pride in what you do. Never quit.
Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?
Dave: Knowing that I pushed myself and I was able to do things I have thought I was able of doing.
Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?
Dave: B.J. Penn because he is a down-to-earth kind of guy and doesn't let it all get to his head like some people do. Bas Rutten - I got a chance to meet him in Atlantic City, New Jersey and he seems to always be willing to give advice. He is a down-to-earth guy.
Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?
Dave: Well, anything on the extreme side of things. It seems that if it isn't a little dangerous, I will just get bored and move on. Except golf! I love golfing, but on a bad day it can be a little dangerous playing with me.
Darrick: When you're no longer amongst the living, how would you most like people to remember you?
Dave: I would like people to remember me for who I was, not really what I was. The guy that is always there when you need him. The one you can count on. Oh yeah, a UFC champ would be cool too!
Darrick: What is your oldest memory?
Dave: I think it was when I was about five years old, I fell into the pool and couldn't swim. My brother, who was seven years old, jumped in and pulled me out. It was a near death experience.
Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.
Dave: I have competed in Geneva, Switzerland in the BJJ European Championship for the Grand Championship back in 2002. Also, I received my Purple belt in BJJ from the German National Team while stationed in Darmstadt, Germany in 2001.
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 Dave Drago in the following places:
Official Dave Drago MySpace Profile:
http://www.myspace.com/davedrago
Dave Drago on Fight Finder:
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=17852
Tags: Dave Drago Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts
