10 Questions With Brad Wheeler (by Darrick Patrick)

Brad Wheeler is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Cage Warriors Fighting Championship, Ultimate Challenge MMA, and Cage Fighters Championship.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Ian Entwistle in the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship at CWFC 43 on July 9th, 2011.

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

Brad: Watching Van Damme films when I was young is what got me into martial arts.  Later on, while watching UFC at the time when Tito Ortiz was champ, MMA caught my eye.  That's when I decided that mixed martial arts is what I wanted to do.

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

Brad: If you want to compete in MMA, I say go for it.  You only live once.  Try it out.  You may love it and get far in the sport, or you may not like it.  You don't know unless you try though.

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

Brad: There are too many to name, but I respect all the champions of the sport.  You don't get given a belt.  It shows that your hard work pays off.  If you have a goal in life, go for it because anything is possible.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Ian Entwistle on July 9th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Brad: Here's a link to my thoughts about the fight: http://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/2011/06/brad-wheeler-entwistle-is-obsessed-with-me.

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

Brad: I think martial arts gives me a no-ego personality, which helps in everyday life with most things.

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

Brad: Well, my dad was a real good football player while he was growing up.  He could of went pro, but his parents made him quit and get a job.  So, he said to me that if MMA is what I want to do, he'll support me and try to help me however he could.  Also, my old coach Eddie Kone was like a second dad to me.  When things were hard at home for me with my parents breaking up, he helped me keep a straight head.  I can always go to him if I have any problems or need to talk about anything.

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

Brad: I don't really have any other strong interests outside of MMA.  I like boxing, watching movies, going clubbing, and having a good night out with friends.  Other than that, nothing really interests me.

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

Brad: I was born on my mum's birthday.  Some present, ay?  (Laughs)

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Brad: When I was around two years old, I ran into a fence and ended up with a face full of splinters.  I had to go see two different doctors to have them removed.

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?

Brad: Hmmm, I have no idea.  Erm, just off of the top of my head I would say Megan Fox, a crate of drink, and a TV to watch UFC on.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Brad Wheeler in the following places:

Official Brad Wheeler MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/gingerboybrad

Official Brad Wheeler Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=516807439

Brad Wheeler on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Brad-Wheeler-45018

Brad Wheeler Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/45018

10 Questions With Jack Mason (by Darrick Patrick)

Jack "The Stone" Mason is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Cage Warriors Fighting Championship, Ultimate Challenge MMA, Cage Rage, UK Mixed Martial Arts Championship, Angrrr Management, and Cage Fighters Championship.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Norman Paraisy in the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship at CWFC 43 on July 9th, 2011.

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

Jack: I used to kickbox about twice a week from around the age of fifteen but never took it that seriously.  When I was at uni, I used to see some guys rolling around on the floor whenever I went to the kickboxing classes and never really knew what they were doing.  I wish I’d have started much younger but that’s the way it goes.

I didn’t start training in mixed martial arts until I was twenty-two years old.  I started training at a submission grappling class, as I was bored of doing weights, and met some old school friends (Alan Lee and Danny Mann) who were competing at events such as Cage Warriors at the time.  I started training with them and had my first MMA fight after about six weeks!  God knows how, but I won my first two fights with very little training and thought I was better than I was.  I then fought Marius Zaromskis and he beat the living crap out of me.  I realized that I needed to start taking it more seriously, as I knew I had some potential but wasn’t getting the right training.

After a few more fights (and losses), I joined the Tsunami team headed up by Robbie Olivier and Pierre Guillet.  They showed me the things I really needed to be doing.  I just got better under their guidance and that’s when my career really started to make some progress.

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

Jack: Definitely my mum, she instilled great respect and a hard work ethic in me.  I hope to do her proud.

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

Jack: Just enjoy it!  Mixed martial arts has changed my life.  I train day in and day out, and I look forward to every single session.  I feel great through the fitness it gives me and all the great friends I have made.  There isn’t any money in MMA really unless you are exceptionally lucky, so you’ve got to be in it for the love of the sport and I really do love it.

For anyone looking to compete, don’t rush it.  Start slow with some grappling competitions, amateur matches, and semi-pro fights.  Nothing worse than jumping straight into the deep end, getting your arse handed to you and your confidence knocked.  Trust me, I have been there and done that!  I coach MMA at a gym called BKK Fighters in Essex and for all the guys that I coach I say the same thing.  I won't let them fight unless they are definitely ready for it.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Norman Paraisy on July 9th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Jack: I am so happy that Cage Warriors have given me this opportunity.  I can’t thank them enough!  Cage Warriors is a great show and they go out of their way to get top European talent on their cards.  I’m highly looking forward to testing myself against Paraisy on July 9th.  Norman is a great fighter but I thrive on tough fights.  I am relishing this opportunity to fight a top ten ranked European fighter.

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

Jack: Just the feeling that it gives you.  You always feel confident because you know you can handle the situations life throws at you.  You’re physically fit as well.  Most of all though, the great friends I have made through training and competing in MMA.  I love martial arts.

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

Jack: I really have a great deal of respect for the fighters and promoters that have been around since the beginning of MMA in the UK.  Those that have stuck with it and made it the thriving sport that it is now.  All of the fighters nowadays owe so much to these guys.  They honestly don’t know what it was like to be a fighter even just five years ago.  Fighters like Ian Freeman, Mark Weir, Robbie Olivier, Pierre Guillet, and promoters like Dave O’Donnell and Ian Dean, who have been around since day one and have brought this sport along.  There are so many guys just starting out in MMA thinking that the sport owes them a living and they are going to be rich through mixed martial arts.  For the vast majority, that really isn’t the case.

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

Jack: I love comic books and especially all of the Marvel films that have been coming out in recent years.  I can't wait until the Captain America film is released!  I absolutely love food too and enjoy going out to try new foods and restaurants with my girlfriend.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Jack: Truthfully?!  (Laughs)  The oldest memory I have is when I was circumcised when I was three years old!  I remember having to wear pyjama bottoms and a bandage around my little thing for three weeks.  It killed every time I took a step.

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

Jack: Ha!  I think the last answer was enough.

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

Jack: As a good person that did right by people.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Jack Mason in the following places:

Official Jack Mason Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=517917835

Official Jack Mason Facebook Group:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jack-Mason/12395302293

Official Jack Mason Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/jackstonemason

Jack Mason on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Jack-Mason-15426

Jack Mason Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/15426

10 Questions With Andreas Spang (by Darrick Patrick)

Andreas "Sweet Swede" Spang is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as the Maximum Fighting Championship, Ring of Fire, North American Challenge, MMA Xplosion, and Fight Fiesta de Luxe.  At the time of this short interview, his next scheduled match is against Cody Krahn in the Maximum Fighting Championship at MFC 30: Up Close and Personal on June 10th, 2011.

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

Andreas: It's been a long journey that initially started with boxing.  After some visa issues, I had to spend some time in Sweden where my brother was training mixed martial arts.  I started to train with him and few months later I had my MMA debut.

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

Andreas: It looks cool, but it's no fun and games.  Make sure that you love what you are doing.

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

Andreas: My coaches, Skip Kelp, Nick Blomgren, and Sergio Penha.  They all help me consistently get better, supporting me in and out of the gym.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Cody Krahn on June 10th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Andreas: I feel great about this fight with Cody and I'm very excited to get in there.

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

Andreas: My dad.  He was a boxer and that's how I started my career.  He was my idol while I was growing up.

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

Andreas: The blood, sweat, and tears.

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

Andreas: I love to be with my family and friends.  Something else I also have a lot of passion for is motorcycles.  I love high speeds.

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

Andreas: I have a sugar addiction...ice cream!

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

Andreas: When my son was born.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Andreas: I don't know for sure, but I think it's when I was five years old and went to the store by myself to get ice cream.  I took the ice cream and ran home all happy!  I didn't know you had to pay.  (Laughs)

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Andreas Spang in the following places:

Official Andreas Spang Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Andreas-Spang/100002069146911

Andreas Spang on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Andreas-Spang-31084

10 Questions With Cody Krahn (by Darrick Patrick)

Cody "Genghis" Krahn is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as King of the Cage, Heat XC, Aggression MMA, Colloseo Championship Fighting, Unified MMA, and Adrenaline.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Andreas Spang in the Maximum Fighting Championship at MFC 30: Up Close and Personal on June 10th, 2011.

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

Cody: I think it started when I was a kid and I would always try to do pro wrestling moves on other kids at school.  Then I heard about Ken Shamrock in the WWF being a "cage fighter" too and I've loved the sport since.  It wasn't until 2005, when I saw the Griffin vs. Bonnar fight, that I really wanted to start training though.

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

Cody: My dad has always had a great work ethic and always raised me to be a man.  I don't think I would have the backbone that I have now if it wasn't for him.

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

Cody: Make sure to find a reputable gym, listen to your trainers, and compete in kickboxing and/or grappling tournaments.  Also, take an amateur fight or two for the experience.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Andreas Spang on June 10th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Cody: I'm both very excited and motivated for this fight.  It will be my first match on live television and against a very tough, game opponent.  I decided to try a training camp in Victoria at ZUMA.  I've learned so much and have been pushed as hard as I can training.  I look forward to a great and aggressive fight.

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

Cody: I love the feeling of winning a fight.  The cheers from the crowd and seeing all of my hard work pay off is a great sense of fulfillment.

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

Cody: I have a great deal of respect for fighters like Keith Jardine, Wanderlei Silva, Rampage, and a lot of the Japanese fighters - purely for the fact that they have a ton of heart and will fight anyone.

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

Cody: I'm a huge nerd.  I love reading comic books and graphic novels.  I'm also a bit of a film buff, especially fantasy and sci-fi films.  On Sunday nights, I'm usually glued to the TV watching HBO.  Loves my HBO.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Cody: My oldest memories would have to be of fishing when I lived in the Yukon, amongst other outdoor activities like snowboarding and going on adventures in the woods.

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

Cody: I'm an amazing cook.

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

Cody: I would go onto a military base, take a tank, and go around town blowing shit up and running over cars.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Cody Krahn in the following places:

Official Cody Krahn Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/cody.krahn

Cody Krahn on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Cody-Krahn-40749

10 Questions With Dhiego Lima (by Darrick Patrick)

Dhiego Lima is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as the Maximum Fighting Championship, SportFight X, and Fight Party.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Jamie Toney in the Maximum Fighting Championship at MFC 30: Up Close and Personal on June 10th, 2011.

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

Dhiego: At the time I was playing football in high school, my brother was fighting already.  I had gone to a couple of his fights and his trainers always liked my aggression, wanting me to start fighting too.  I had to make a choice after I graduated, so I pursued mixed martial arts.  I competed in six amateur fights, won a title, and went pro.

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

Dhiego: Always train like you're fighting because you're going to fight like you train.

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

Dhiego: I really respect Nick Diaz because he's never afraid of anyone.  He always comes to fight and put on a show.  MMA needs more guys like him.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Jamie Toney on June 10th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Dhiego: This is the toughest fight of my career.  It will be where I find out what level I am at in my career.  He is good at everything, so it's going to be a great test for me.  I'm really looking foward to it.

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

Dhiego: Being in the cage trying to hurt somebody and having thousands of people watching is pretty awesome.  I always loved competing, but I was always in a team sport.  All of the attention is on me now, so that motivates me a lot.  I love it.

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

Dhiego: Of course my mom and dad, but the biggest influence I had was my brother.  He was always watching out for me.  He is the one that influenced me to start fighting.  Still up to this date he is always watching out for me.  I have a lot to thank him for with everything he has done for me.

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

Dhiego: Taking care of my wife and two kids, and I have a full-time job at Home Depot.  That's pretty much all I do is work and train.

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

Dhiego: The Hulk.  (Laughs)  It's like I save all my anger until fight day.  When the day comes, I turn into a whole different animal and want to hurt somebody.

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

Dhiego: I will do whatever it takes to win.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Dhiego: Finally getting the balls to beat my bully up in fifth grade.  It was pretty awesome.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Dhiego Lima in the following places:

Official Dhiego Lima Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Dhiego-Lima/1120500951

Official Dhiego Lima Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/DhLima121

Dhiego Lima on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Dhiego-Lima-59607

Dhiego Lima Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/59607

10 Questions With Kevin Dunsmoor (by Darrick Patrick)

Kevin Dunsmoor is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Desert Rage Full Contact Fighting, Total Combat, Baja Cage Fighting, Sparstar Promotions, Cage of Fire, International Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts, and MMA Xtreme.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Mamoru Yamaguchi in Tachi Palace Fights at TPF 9: The Contenders on May 6th, 2011.

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

Kevin: I tried football in middle school and found out that team sports weren't exactly for me.  I found it hard to put the fact of winning or losing in other people's hands, so I tried wrestling and ding!  That was the place for me.  Win or lose, it was my doing in the end.

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

Kevin: Oh boy, how do I answer this without leaving anyone out?  Definitely my parents, coaches, teammates, and classmates.  Damn, I've picked up a little bit from everyone along the way.  I almost want say, "You know who you are."  I'm sure they do, but it's hard to say.  I would really have to put some time into this one.

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

Kevin: Find a coach that cares.  That's probably the most important advice, I think.  There are a lot of yahoos out there that think they know a thing or two about a thing or two.  They talk all this crap and have you eating out of their dish of BS.  I know of a few guys that this has happened to and it's sad.  Just don't be in a rush, it will happen when it happens.  It took me over four years personally to get to this point.  It's been a long road with plenty of potholes.  Also, be sure to have your hands up, chin down, and breathe.  It only lasts twenty-five minutes at the most.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Mamoru Yamaguchi on May 6th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Kevin: Mamoru's a bad mofo, he's quick and he's experienced.  I'm sure not going to take him lightly.  I know that I'm probably small potatoes for him, but I'm going in there with everything I've gathered from all my of coaches and we'll see what happens.  That's all I can really do and I would expect the same from him.

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

Kevin: That's hard to say.  I respect the people that go out there as the underdog and have everyone rooting against them.  I've been in similar situations with the sport in deep Mexico.  Everyone's booing you as you walk out.  It's kind of sucky, but you can't let it get to you.  You go out there, give it your all, and make those fuckers choke on their boos.

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

Kevin: It keeps me grounded.  If I couldn't go to the gym and blow off steam every day, it would for sure be bad for the community.  I know when I don't go to the gym for a few days, I get mischievous and no good can come of my mind on the loose.  It's fun, I have a blast out there.  It's definitely a good way to spend a friday or saturday night.  Shit, you also get a little drinking money to boot.  (Laughs)

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

Kevin: I'm really into the outdoors.  Camping, fishing, hunting, and all the typical rednecky country stuff.  I'm the guy that would live in a RV in the middle of the woods and be totally content, hearing nothing but the sounds of limbs breaking in the distance and the occasional woodpecker digging for bugs.  Somewhere in-between Riggs from Lethal Weapon and Wahlberg's character in Shooter.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Kevin: Driving around with my pops on backroads, listening to his old country music.  That's actually something I miss.  Hanging half out the window like a dog with the wind in my face and without a care in the world, just seeing where the road takes us.

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

Kevin: My wiener is stronger than underwear.

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

Kevin: It doesn't matter to me how people remember me, but hopefully it will at least make them smile and possibly shake their heads at the same time.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Kevin Dunsmoor in the following places:

Official Kevin Dunsmoor MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/kevindunsmoor

Official Kevin Dunsmoor Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Kevin-Dunsmoor/1165100652

Kevin Dunsmoor on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Kevin-Dunsmoor-21920

Kevin Dunsmoor Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/21920

10 Questions With Kyle Watson (by Darrick Patrick)

Kyle Watson is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Corral's Combat Classic, X-treme Fight, Total Fight Challenge, Bodog Fight, Ironheart Crown, Madtown Throwdown, Courage Fighting Championships, and Freestyle Combat Challenge.  He also appeared on the twelfth season of the television show The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against John Makdessi in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC 129: St-Pierre vs. Shields on April 30th, 2011.

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

Kyle: I was always very competitive in sports growing up and I was very interested in martial arts.  However, I was from a small town and we didn't have many options.  Once I went to college I was able to explore the combat arts.  I started with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and fell in love with the art.  I was a big UFC fan, and after some time I wanted to test my Jiu-Jitsu to see if I could make it effective in a more realistic combat setting.  I came across and fought on an amateur promotion for Dan Severn.  I was hooked and that was the start of my career.

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

Kyle: My parents have been my biggest influences.  They are the best parents anyone could hope for.  They always gave me the space to make mistakes, but then were there to pick me up when I made them.  They have been ultra-supportive through everything for me.  My Jiu-Jitsu coach, Jack McVicker, has also had a major impact on my life.  Besides introducing me to BJJ, he has shown me what it takes to be a competitor, teacher, and role model.

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

Kyle: The advice I would give is to find a respected camp with respected trainers.  Be prepared to work extremely hard and be willing to make sacrifices.  I believe these are all key ingredients for success in MMA.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against John Makdessi on April 30th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Kyle: I think it is a tough fight but a good fight for me.  John is undefeated for a reason and he trains at a great camp.  However, I feel that I am more well-rounded and I have a lot more experience.  I am prepared for a tough fight, but I do believe I have the better toolbox.

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

Kyle: I respect the majority of the fighters out there because I understand the hard work that goes into this sport.  I especially respect the champions who maintain their titles for a long period of time, like Georges St-Pierre (GSP) and Anderson Silva.  These are guys who not only worked their way to the title, but then they continue to evolve and beat all of the top talent put in front of them.  I think this is an amazing feat.

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

Kyle: Teaching martial arts brings me a great deal of fulfillment.  I love giving to others the many positive things that martial arts has brought to my life.  Also, the relationships I have made are priceless.  Traveling around the world has been exciting too.

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

Kyle: I love spending time with my wife, friends, and dogs.  I really enjoy teaching Jiu-Jitsu and watching movies as well.

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

Kyle: I would like to be remembered as someone who was always willing to help others and as a role model.

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

Kyle: I was once a part of a David Copperfield show and he made me disappear.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Kyle: My oldest memory is playing in the mud with my brother in the backyard of our house.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

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

Official Kyle Watson MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/kyle_watson454

Official Kyle Watson Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1366051626

Kyle Watson on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Kyle-Watson-7127

Kyle Watson Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/7127

10 Questions With D.J. Linderman (by Darrick Patrick)

D.J. "Da Protege" Linderman is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Bellator Fighting Championships, SportFight, Art of Fighting, CageSport, Brass Knuckle Promotions, and Alliance Fights.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Richard Hale in the semifinals of the fourth season light heavyweight tournament of Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 42 on April 23rd, 2011.

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

D.J.: When I started fighting as an amateur, it was just a hobby.  As time went on though and I continued to win, my hobby just naturally transitioned into a career.

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

D.J.: For anyone looking for advice there is a saying that I live by.  It’s just four simple words that can have a powerful meaning.  "Train hard, fight easy."  I feel that this has helped me to get where I am today.

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

D.J.: The first two people that come to mind are Randy Couture and Ricky Story.  I have great respect for Randy because he doesn’t seem to fight for the publicity or money.  He fights for the fight and a true love of the sport.  I have great respect for Ricky because he is so down-to-earth and real.  He is always calm, cool, and collected.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Richard Hale on April 23rd.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

D.J.: This fight against Richard Hale will be a challenge and a true test of my skills, but there has been no challenge to date I haven’t conquered.

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

D.J.: It is truly rewarding to win over my opponent's fans.  When I walk into the cage as the underdog, put everything I have into a fight, by the end of the show the crowd is cheering for me.  That’s an awesome feeling.

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

D.J.: There were not many people that were positive influences in my life while I was growing up, but one person that I have always looked up to is my oldest sister Karen.  She is such a strong and independent person, to this day I still look up to her.

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

D.J.: I’m a pretty quiet guy.  I mostly just spend time with my family and a few close friends.  I like traveling, camping, and other outdoor things.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

D.J.: Playing on the sand dunes with my older brother and sister, getting pushed down.  (Laughs)  It was a war when I was a kid.

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

D.J.: I have two kids and I get beat by my wife.  (Laughs)  In all seriousness, I’m just quite a laid back kind of guy that likes to spend time with his family outside of the cage.

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

D.J.: If I could choose a super power it would be telekinesis, so that I could read my opponent's mind.  I would also use it to find out what women really want.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out D.J. Linderman in the following places:

Official D.J. Linderman MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/NORCAL_CHAMP

Official D.J. Linderman Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Da-Protege-Linderman/100000539422817

D.J. Linderman on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/DJ-Linderman-30279

D.J. Linderman Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/30279