10 Questions With Claudio Ledesma (by Darrick Patrick)

Claudio Ledesma is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Ring of Combat, Urban Conflict Championships, and Asylum Fight League.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Brian Kelleher in Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 54 on October 15th, 2011.

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

Claudio: Boredom!  I moved away from where I grew up and didn't know anyone.  My boredom brought me to Renzo Gracie Denville and the rest is history.

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

Claudio: Do it for the right reasons.  Do it for the love, not to be able to walk around telling people that you're "a fighter".  Like anything in life, if you're going to do it, do it one hundred and ten percent.

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

Claudio: Frankie Edgar is probably the individual that I have the most respect for.  His heart is huge and his work ethic is ridiculous.  You can't ever count someone like Frankie out.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Brian Kelleher on October 15th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Claudio: Brian is a good fighter and very well-rounded.  I think it'll be a great fight because we both fight to finish and I'm sure we'll both be prepared.  There is a lot at stake for each of us in this match, so we'll be fighting our hearts out.

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

Claudio: Learning.  The more I train the more I realize I don't know shit.

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

Claudio: My father is my hero and my motivation.  He came to this country with nothing.  With his hard work and determination, he made a life for me.  Getting in the cage takes balls, doing what he did for me takes bowling ball-sized balls.

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

Claudio: I love to spend time with my son.  Between work and training, we spend a lot of time apart.  So, whenever I'm free I'm just trying to be the best dad I can be.

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

Claudio: I hate attention.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Claudio: My oldest memory is of my dad teaching me how to ride a bike.  He let me go and I was riding all by myself, but didn't know it.  When I looked back and didn't see him, I panicked.  I fell off the bike and broke my arm.  My dad told me I needed to man up!

Darrick: If you had three wishes, what would they be?

Claudio: Health, wealth, good fortune, and forgiveness (bonus wish).

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://www.myspace.com/darrickpatrick/blog/343519835

You can also check out Claudio Ledesma in the following places:

Official Claudio Ledesma Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Claudio-Ledesma/583575326

Claudio Ledesma on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Claudio-Ledesma-61676

Claudio Ledesma Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/61676

10 Questions With Brian Kelleher (by Darrick Patrick)

Brian "Boom" Kelleher is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Ring of Combat, Cage Fury Fighting Championships, Xtreme Fight Events, and Combat Zone.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Claudio Ledesma in Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 54 on October 15th, 2011.

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

Brian: Well, I grew up living on Long Island my whole life.  Nothing real crazy went down in my life that had led me to want do this kind of thing, but it was the fact that I was always in sports and competing.  I have this desire to win and be the best at what I am doing.  When I first saw MMA, I thought it was interesting and knew I had the athletic ability and the heart to participate in such an extreme form of competition.  I would say it's probably the most extreme form as well.

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

Brian: My Grandpa and my family, of course.  I have a great support system and I have my whole life.  My family is always going the extra mile to support me in what I am doing and I greatly appreciate it.  I wouldn't be where I am today without having the family that I have.

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

Brian: For anyone who is looking to take the sport seriously and compete at the highest level, I would say to always believe in yourself and your capabilities.  Know that it takes great discipline and dedication to live this lifestyle, and to be successful in doing so.  Always try the best to keep your mind focused and in a positive place.  Stay humble with yourself, but always know that at anytime someone else can take your spot.  Don't let it happen.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Claudio Ledesma on October 15th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Brian: I'm really excited about this upcoming fight against Claudio Ledesma.  I'm very thankful for this opportunity to fight for Bellator and I plan on proving that I belong there.  Every fight that I have I am going in that cage to finish my opponent.  I want that unexplainable feeling of victory any chance I can get it.  I always expect a tough challenge, but I always come well-prepared.  October 15th is the fun part.

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

Brian: The lifestyle of MMA.  I love everything about it.  Of course, it's a constant grind but so is life.  I'm having fun every day with some great people and there's nothing else that interests me more.  At this point, mixed martial arts is my life.  You put so much time into becoming the best fighter you can be in all aspects of the game.  The greatest, most fulfilling feeling is when it's time to get in the cage and leave it all out there when it matters.  All the mental, physical, and psychological preparation put in finally gets it's reward.

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

Brian: I honestly respect anybody who is stepping in that cage just like I am.  How could you not?

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

Brian: I really enjoy music, writing my own songs, and just having a good time making people laugh.  Anytime I can sit down to have a nice cup of coffee and a nice conversation, I'm always down.  Not too crazy on partying at this point, I'm more laid back.  I just like to relax and chill out.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Brian: I'm not quite sure I can determine what my specific oldest memory is.  It has probably passed away at this point.  (Laughs)  Too old to stick around in this brain, ya' know?

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

Brian: I cry.

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

Brian: My cup, my mouth piece, and some 4 oz. MMA gloves.  BOOM!

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://www.myspace.com/darrickpatrick/blog/343519835

You can also check out Brian Kelleher in the following places:

Official Brian Kelleher Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=712851356

Official Brian Kelleher Facebook Group:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brian-Boom-Kelleher/196346217096777

Brian Kelleher on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Brian-Kelleher-53666

Brian Kelleher Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/53666

10 Questions With Eric Prindle (by Darrick Patrick)

Eric "American Soldier" Prindle is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Bellator Fighting Championships, Gladiator Challenge, Martial Combat, Fight Force International, Rage in the Cage, and Mexico Fighting Cup.  At the time of this very short interview, his next scheduled match is against Abe Wagner in the first round of the fifth season heavyweight tournament of Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 52 on October 1st, 2011.

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

Eric: The army and boxing was what initially led me in this direction.  After getting out of the army, I needed some form of an outlet for my scars on the inside.

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

Eric: Cardio, cardio, cardio.  It is what it is!  It's the most important aspect of being involved in mixed martial arts.

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

Eric: I have a lot of respect for Erik Paulson, Craig Blacklock, you - I respect everyone.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Abe Wagner on October 1st.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Eric: In this fight with Abe Wagner, I just know we both are going to do our best.  It's definitely going to be a great fight.

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

Eric: The most fulfilling aspect for me is the training.  I love it.

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

Eric: The people who were my main influences are my mom, my dad, and Gene Wilson.

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

Eric: Other than martial arts, I just enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Darrick: What comic book character do you relate to most?

Eric: I don't really have the opportunity to read comic books, but I think I'd probably go with Batman.

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

Eric: The majority of people probably don't know that I skipped the eighth grade.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Eric: The earliest memory I have is of rolling down a hill at the fair.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://www.myspace.com/darrickpatrick/blog/343519835

You can also check out Eric Prindle in the following places:

Official Eric Prindle Website:

http://www.ericprindle.com

Official Eric Prindle MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/superheaveweight

Official Eric Prindle Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Eric-Prindle/100000462257937

Eric Prindle on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Eric-Prindle-33301

10 Questions With Casey Noland (by Darrick Patrick)

Casey "KO" Noland is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as King of the Cage, Ring of Fire, Fight for Wrestling, and The Cage Inc.  At the time of this interview, her next scheduled match is against Jessica Eye in Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 51 on September 24th, 2011.

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

Casey: I was first introduced to martial arts when I was a senior in high school.  My boyfriend at the time, Chuck Liddell, was a college wrestler and pro kickboxer.  He asked me to come watch his black belt test at the Hawaiian Kempo martial arts fighting gym run by John Hackleman called "The Pit".  I fell in love with the place and started training the next day.  That was in January of 1996.  Chuck and I had our daughter, Trista, just after he opened his own gym SLO Kickboxing.  I started competing in amateur boxing in January of 1999.

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

Casey: I respect my coach Luke Riddering, as well as his wife.  She is my "iron sharpen iron" training partner who is also a pro fighter, Christina Riddering. Also, my good friend Jared Hamman.  They each are extraordinary in their work ethic and heart, and live honorable lives in and out of the cage.

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

Casey: My advice is don't fight for the money or for self-honor.  Only get into the sport if you love it.  Don't mind pain and hard work.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Jessica Eye on September 24th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Casey: My fight against Jessica Eye is just another day at the office for me.  She's tough and talented, but so are all my sparring partners at The Pit.  I respect her as an athlete and I am excited to punch her.

Darrick: Do you feel as if there are any extra hurdles being a female in mixed martial arts or do you believe it to be basically the same struggle for both genders?

Casey: It's majorly different for females for many reasons, but it is what it is.  I love it though!  My team respects me and supports me.  They see how hard I work.

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

Casey: Martial arts brings me fulfillment because of the people.  My gym is my family.  I have met and had the opportunity to train with some amazing, hardworking people.  That's what I love the most.

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

Casey: My kids!  I love my kids and I love being a mom.  I teach kindergarten.  I also love to watch my older daughter play polo and my little girl play softball.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Casey: My oldest memory is growing up on a cattle ranch in Colorado and playing in the snow.

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

Casey: Most people don't know that I love reading my Bible and going to church.

Darrick: If you had a working time machine, what is a point in history that you would visit?

Casey: I would travel back to when Jesus was alive.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://www.myspace.com/darrickpatrick/blog/343519835

You can also check out Casey Noland in the following places:

Official Casey Noland Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/kocaseyj

Official Casey Noland Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/caseynolandmma

Casey Noland on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Casey-Noland-69412

10 Questions With Walel Watson (by Darrick Patrick)

Walel "The Gazelle" Watson is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Tachi Palace Fights, Ultimate Warrior Challenge, Baja Cage Fighting, Native Fighting Championship, and Gladiator Challenge.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Joseph Sandoval in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC Live: Cruz vs. Johnson on October 1st, 2011.

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

Walel: My journey stated at the young age of seven years old.  I played football, baseball, basketball, football, and a little soccer.  I ended up sticking with football in high school and in junior college (semi-pro).  I wasn't big enough to get a Division 1 scholarship and couldn't afford to go to a big university.  So, my good childhood friend Robert Peralta asked me to come try out MMA.  He took me to a garage and we started beating each other up.  That was it, I was hooked!  I've never stopped training since.  Oh, and neither one of us train in that garage anymore.  (Laughs)

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

Walel: The advice I have for anyone looking to get into mixed martial arts is to learn as much as possible and keep an open mind with thick skin.  It's tough in the beginning and you will have to look deep in your heart to push forward if it's something you really want to do.  You will have trials and tribulations, but if you stick it out it's the most rewarding accomplishment in the world.

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

Walel: I look up to my coaches, teammates, and all the fighters that have paved the way for us from the beginning when MMA was outlawed in so many states.  My coaches are the ones that have given me the knowledge.  Manolo Hernandez, Tiger Smalls, Frank Salgado, Bill Crawford, and Gazzy Parman have all helped to create this monster!  (Laughs)

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Joseph Sandoval on October 1st.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Walel: My thoughts on the bout with Joseph Sandavol this October 1st in the UFC is dynamite!  We're two dudes that get after it and put on a show.  Put us together and you get Fight of the Night!

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

Walel: The learning, training, and competiton.  I love to compete.  It's what I've done my whole life, strive to be the best.  What better way than two dudes in the cage slugging it out to see who is the best.

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

Walel: My mom and dad always played a big role in my life because they always pushed me to be the best at whatever I did.  Even if they didn't agree with me, they always told me be the best and were there to support me.

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

Walel: I love hanging out with my family, girlfriend, and friends.  We barbeque all the time, whether at the beach, park, or at the house.  We are a tight group that have came up together and we're all really family-oriented.

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

Walel: One thing about me that most people wouldn't know is that I'm super scared of spiders.  Yeah, I'm a wuss.  Want to fight about it?

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

Walel: I would be like Mr. Fantastic from the Fantastic Four.  Then I could hit my opponent from the other side of the cage and wrap them up.  (Laughs)

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Walel: My oldest memory is from when I was in third grade.  There were seven or eight sixth graders picking on my friend.  I probably should have kept my mouth shut like everyone else did but instead I yell out, "Why don't you pick on someone your own size?!"  They took one look at me and I got jumped by them all.  Instead of keeping quiet after my beating, I got up and said, "Is that all you got?"  So, I got another beating.  They were amazed that I took it and actually wanted to be my friends after that.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://www.myspace.com/darrickpatrick/blog/343519835

You can also check out Walel Watson in the following places:

Official Walel Watson Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Walel-Gazelle-Watson/100000507801316

Official Walel Watson Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/135Gazelle

Walel Watson on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Walel-Watson-36403

Walel Watson Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/36403

10 Questions With Mark Holata (by Darrick Patrick)

Mark Holata is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such Bellator Fighting Championships, Freestyle Cage Fighting, C3 Fights, Bricktown Brawl, and Masters of the Cage.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Ron Sparks in the first round of the fifth season heavyweight tournament of Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 52 on October 1st, 2011.

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

Mark: I just came down to the simple fact that after playing college ball, I never lost the edge of competing.  I figured I would give MMA a shot to see if it was for me or not.  Once I started competing in mixed martial arts, I was hooked.

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

Mark: My brother and coaches for always telling me to never give up or find an excuse to not be successful.

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

Mark: The advice I would give to people that are wanting to compete in the sport is that no matter what people say, don't let it keep you from what you want to achieve for yourself.  You have to be one hundred percent dedicated.  Learn, keep pushing, and drive forward.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Ron Sparks on October 1st.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Mark: Ron Sparks is a very professional guy, you can't help but like him.  He is a boxer and I am a boxer/wrestler, so it's going to be exciting.  It's business once the gate shuts.  It's time to go to war!  I am pumped for this fight and we will give the fans what they want to see.  I can't wait.

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

Mark: I love competing, and I especially love winning.   To know all of your hard work is paying off is very fulfilling.

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

Mark: The people that I respect in this sport would be individuals like Hector Lombard, Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez, and Fedor Emelianenko.  These guys aren't the tallest or the biggest in their weight classes, but they have the passion and determination to win.

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

Mark: Other than mixed martial arts, my interests are mainly video games, fast cars, and my job.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Mark: Sorry, I don't have an answer available for this one.

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

Mark: I'm scared of spiders and snakes.  Also, I really like to fish.

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

Mark: I have no clue, man!  (Laughs)

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://www.myspace.com/darrickpatrick/blog/343519835

You can also check out Mark Holata in the following places:

Official Mark Holata Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Mark-Holata/44009820

Mark Holata on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Mark-Holata-23255

Mark Holata Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/23255

10 Questions With Frank Caraballo (by Darrick Patrick)

Frank "The Tank" Caraballo is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Bellator Fighting Championships, North American Allied Fight Series, Freestyle Cage Fighting, and Victory Fighting Championship.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Dustin Kempf in Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 51 on September 24th, 2011.

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

Frank: I grew up fighting in the streets, so I would say it's pretty natural for me.  The first time I saw a MMA fight I knew that I wanted to give it a shot.  I just have that fighter mentality.

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

Frank: If you're not willing to go through the pain and hard work, then do something else.  Champions are made by hard work and dedication.

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

Frank: I respect any person that steps in the cage and has what it takes to train.  This is not an easy sport.  It takes a lot of heart, training, and pain.  If you can handle it, I respect you.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Dustin Kempf on September 24th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Frank: Dustin Kempf is a cool guy and a good fighter, but he has never fought anyone like me.  Once the bell rings, I'm going to bring it and bring it hard.  I know he's not going to want to stand up and bang, so I see this fight going to the ground.  That is fine with me though, I have won most of my fights on the ground and I've been training for everything.  I will win.

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

Frank: Seeing which fighter has the better skills.  It's just two people battling it out.

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

Frank: I would have to say my mom.  She went through a lot of things, seeing a lot of things most kids don't see, and she always stayed strong.

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

Frank: I like to hang out with my family.  I'm a family guy.  I don't like clubs and parties, that's not what I do.  I also love food.

Darrick: When you're no longer amongst the living, how would you most like to be remembered?

Frank: When I'm gone, I would like to be remembered as a guy with a big heart.  A family guy who was a hard worker and not afraid to speak his mind.  Always keeping it real and one of the best MMA fighters ever.

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

Frank: There's not really anything that people don't know about me.  I pretty much always act the same.  I don't like acting fake.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Frank: I remember picking up a bee and it stinging me on my hand.  I was an idiot.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://www.myspace.com/darrickpatrick/blog/343519835

You can also check out Frank Caraballo in the following places:

Official Frank Caraballo MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/frankthetank216

Official Frank Caraballo Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/tank216

Frank Caraballo on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Frank-Caraballo-36530

Frank Caraballo Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/36530

10 Questions With TJ Waldburger (by Darrick Patrick)

TJ Waldburger is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Shark Fights, International Fighting Championship, King of Kombat, Xtreme Fighting Championships, HDNet Fights, Supreme Warrior Championship, Masters of the Cage, Dana Pitcher Productions, Ultimate Texas Showdown, and Renegades Extreme Fighting.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Daniel Roberts in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC Fight Night: Shields vs. Ellenberger (also titled UFC Fight Night 25: Battle on the Bayou) on September 17th, 2011.

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

TJ: One of my dad's co-workers trained at The Grapplers Lair.  When my dad got tired of my friends and I tearing up the house from wrestling inside, he told me I was heading to this school where I can go and get my butt kicked!  He finally took me, and I fell in love with the gym and it's owners.  I had my first fight five months later at seventeen years old.  I fought three amateur fights and while training for my fourth, the Texas Boxing Commission shut down all of the MMA competitions in Texas.

A few months later, they started pro fights but with the rumor of delaying amateur fights for a year or longer.  Therefore, being seventeen years of age, I needed parental consent to turn pro.  I begged and pleaded for them to sign for me and eventually they did.  By my fourth or fifth professional fight, I pulled out of college and started fighting full-time.

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

TJ: My parents, my coach, and my grandfather.

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

TJ: Train hard.  Don't let anyone tell you, "You can't do it."  Look to God.  If it's his will, you will prosper.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Daniel Roberts on September 17th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

TJ: The fight with Daniel Roberts looks like it will be an exciting match.  We have a lot of similar skills and the fight should be action-packed.

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

TJ: Helping others along the way.

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

TJ: I hold a great deal of respect for the Christian mixed martial artists in the sport.

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

TJ: Hunting, camping, and watching movies.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

TJ: It's random, but I remember laying on my bed while staring at my little sister's crib.  And that's it.  I was probably about three years old.

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

TJ: I'm twenty-three years old and happily married to my coach's daughter.  We are expecting our first little baby boy at the end of November.

Darrick: What comic book character do you relate to most?

TJ: Ummm...Superman.  Mainly because I like to disguise myself and wear tights.  (Laughs)

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://www.myspace.com/darrickpatrick/blog/343519835

You can also check out Jason Dent in the following places:

Official TJ Waldburger Website:

http://www.tjwaldburger.net

Official TJ Waldburger MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/Tbjaba

Official TJ Waldburger Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Tj-Waldburger/100002404533326

The Grapplers Lair Website:

http://www.grapplerslair.com

TJ Waldburger on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Anthony-Waldburger-15125

TJ Waldburger Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/15125

10 Questions With Maka Watson (by Darrick Patrick)

Maka Watson is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Strikeforce, Rumble on the Rock, and Fight for the Kids.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Ryan Couture at Strikeforce Challengers: Larkin vs. Zwicker on September 23rd, 2011.

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

Maka: I'd watch fights in Hawaii that were shown on cable really late at night.  When I saw local guys doing it, it was something I wanted to try.  I ended up in Hilo with my girlfriend (wife now), started doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and I got hooked.  From there it eventually led into fighting in mixed martial arts.

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

Maka: Yeah, please don't dye your hair or wear a frickin' mohawk.  (Laughs)  Nah, I'd have to say get ready for a roller coaster ride.  There will be a lot of ups and downs, mostly downs in training and in life.  It's how you deal with it that will determine if you get anywhere in the game.  Most importantly, surround yourself with good people.

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

Maka: Definitely the Gracies for pretty much creating the sport.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Ryan Couture on September 23rd.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Maka: Ryan will be the most well-rounded fighter I've faced.  I'm expecting it to be a really tough fight.  Watch us on Showtime or come see us at the Palms.  It's going to be a hell of a fight.

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

Maka: The feeling of being in shape.

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

Maka: I was never really influenced by anyone growing up.  In ways, I guess I'd have to say my parents I'm finding as I go through life and get older.

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

Maka: Before moving to Vegas, surfing was number one to me.  I miss the ocean bad.  I started mountain biking out here in the desert.  It's really relaxing getting super far from the city and it's a good workout.  I also like hanging with my wife and watching movies.  Oh, she would kill me if I didn't mention video games too.  (Laughs)

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

Maka: When I got my purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

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

Maka: That's easy.  (Laughs)  I've never drank alcohol or smoked anything ever.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Maka: Hitchhiking to the beach with my boys along with our surfboards and staying in the water for eight straight hours.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://www.myspace.com/darrickpatrick/blog/343519835

You can also check out Maka Watson in the following places:

Official Maka Watson Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Maka-Watson/100000573439858

Maka Watson on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Maka-Watson-24997