10 Questions With Billy Walsh (by Darrick Patrick)

Billy Walsh is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as World Championship Fighting, Mayhem Fight Night, Xtreme Championship Fight League, and Extreme Fighting International.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Nick Newell in Cage Titans Fighting Championship at CTFC: Mayhem on January 28th, 2011.

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

Billy: I’ve been an athlete for the entirety of my walking life.  I grew up playing baseball, soccer, basketball, and tennis.  I also wrestled for a short stint at Mount Anthony Union High School.  I have always been a competitor, whether it is checkers, a family game of badminton, thumb wrestling, or cage fighting.  I do my best to win.  I was never and am not a real confrontational or aggressive guy.  I’m really laid back and can probably count on one hand the times I’ve been angry in the last three or so years.  That being said, I was drawn to MMA right around the time most people were, season one of The Ultimate Fighter.

I saw a sport that truly gave back what you put into it.  The harder you work in this sport, the better you get.  If your mind is right, the more successful you’ll be.  I started training after another TV show sparked my interest.  I caught an episode of MTV’s True Life.  It was True Life: I’m a Muay Thai Fighter, with Kit Cope.  I remember yelling into the kitchen at my mom, “Hey, mom!  Come check this out!  It’s what I want to do with my life.”  I was half-kidding until she replied with a giggle, “Whatever you say.”  I started training shortly thereafter.

Darrick: Where could you possibly see the future of the sport ten years from now?

Billy: MMA is growing exponentially larger and more respected each and every year.  Ten years from now it could easily eclipse boxing in fighter payouts, TV deals, sponsorships, and Pay-Per-View buys.  Mixed martial arts, at this pace, will be a top contender in the sports world as a whole, not just combat sports.

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

Billy: To me it’s two-fold.  First, it’s the competition aspect.  Combat sports are the purest form of sport, especially mixed martial arts.  It's you and your opponent, until one of you has immerged victorious by either being superior that night or by simply outworking them.

Second, it’s the comradery.  This is a bond between fighters and a bond with your team and coaches.  To me, my team and my coaches are as close and as important to me as family.  It’s easily the best thing I have gotten from this sport.  The United Fighting Arts Institute is one of the best things that has ever happened to me and it would have never happened if I had not been a martial artist.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Nick Newell on January 28th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Billy: I’m really excited about this fight.  I’m mentally where I need to be as a fighter.  That’s never been the case before.  I used to have myself beaten before I even showed up to weigh-ins.  That isn’t how it is anymore.  I’m really looking forward to fighting Nick.  He’s a solid fighter who has built a name for himself, both by being a successful wrestler and fighter despite having only one hand, and by talking himself up.

I know that his management and he are looking to use me as a stepping stone to another win on his undefeated record.  I also know that anyone outside of my friends and family (maybe even some of them), fully expect me to lose this fight.  That’s not what my intention is though.  Nick is my first step towards legitimacy in this sport.  People see me and say, “Tough kid but not much of a fighter”.  After Nick, people will start taking me seriously.

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

Billy: There are two kinds of people in the sport that I respect most.  The first being super-professionals who carry themselves with a level of respect for the sport and those involved that surpasses your run-of-the-mill fighter.  Guys like Georges St-Pierre (GSP), Randy Couture, Jonathan Brookins, and Tateki Matsuda just to name a few.  Then, there are the guys that understand that we are not only fighters and athletes, but entertainers too.  Guys like Jason "Mayhem" Miller, Sakuraba, Minowaman, and Tim Credeur.  Find Tim Credeur on YouTube and you’ll see why I included him on this list.

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

Billy: If you are even thinking about training, you should just go in and try it out.  If it’s for you, you will know immediately.  If it’s not for you, you’ll know immediately.  The trick is to just make the move and do it.  Now, when it comes to actually fighting - train!  Get with a real team with real fighters and real coaches.  Ask questions, spar, and learn.  They will tell you when you are ready to fight.

When that time comes, probably a year or so down the road, get as many amateur fights in as you can.  Rack up ammy fights.  Regardless of what your record ends up being, the key is to get real ring/cage time in.  The only thing I regret in my career is starting out in a very unintelligent way.  I should have taken a ton of ammy fights and I shouldn’t of started fighting until I was with a real team, like I am now.  Fighting is both an individual sport and a team sport.  Yes, you fight alone, but your team is pivotal in preparing you and making you better each and every day.  It’s nearly impossible to do that alone.

Darrick: Outside of mixed martial arts, what are your other interests?

Billy: I’m an artist.  I draw and paint, as well as dabble in photography.  My interests are all over the place though as a whole.  I love history, science, computers, web design, softball, biking, swimming, and rock climbing.  My biggest interest is having fun.  A close second is learning.  Lame, but true.

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

Billy: I’m not afraid of dying, but I’m terrified of wasting the time and the opportunities I have while I’m here.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Billy: I was a goalkeeper in soccer from the time I started playing in kindergarten all the way up through high school and even a little bit in college.  Early on, either during my kindergarten season or my first grade season, I blocked a shot that hit me square in my face and it knocked me out for a second.  When I got my head together, the first thing I asked was if I had stopped the shot from getting in the goal.  My parents knew it was going to be a fun run with sports from that moment on.

Darrick: If you had a working time machine, what are some of the points in history that you would visit?

Billy: I’m fascinated by people who had/have the ability and power to inspire with their words as well as people who had/have the minds that create theories and ideas that change the world.  I would go back to hear or speak with people like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., JFK, Abraham Lincoln, Leonardo da Vinci, Teddy Roosevelt, Ben Franklin, Socrates, Aristotle, Ghandi, Jesus, and Einstein (among many more).  People who helped shape the world with their minds, hearts, and words.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Billy Walsh in the following places:

Official Billy Walsh Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=57401883

Official Billy Walsh Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/b_walsh

Billy Walsh on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Billy-Walsh-63222

10 Questions With Lucas Gamaza (by Darrick Patrick)

Lucas Gamaza is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as ShoXC, Rebel Fights, and X-Fight Promotions.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against James Terry at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg on January 29th, 2011.

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

Lucas: When I was younger, I watched a lot of WWF and I would go down to Blockbuster to rent all the old WrestleMania events.  After I had burned out and watched all of those, I noticed the old UFC movies right next to them.  I figured that would do until a new WrestleMania came out.  Holy crap, I loved it.

After following the UFC for a few years I saw a young fighter from Stockton, which was the next town over from where I lived.  It was Nick Diaz armbarring Jeremy Jackson and I was pumped for him.  A few Pay-Per-Views later he had been matched up against Robbie Lawler.  I was a fan of Robbie and counted Nick out.  When Nick knocked him out, I remember thinking, "I gotta' find that guy."

About a year later I met his cousin at a restaurant and she told me how to find the gym.  I ended up going, learned a little Jiu-Jitsu, and was hooked.  I became a regular and never stopped training.  After becoming a full-fledged Jiu-Jitsu head, I started sparring and would hit the bags here and there with some coaching from Nick and Nathan.

Nick paid for a couple of us to get licensed with some of his own money.  I had to fight.  Not like I didn't want to, but I wanted to show Nick he didn't waste his money.  My first fight was professional and I felt like I could've done better.  I was hooked though and wanted to get better and better.  It turned me on to a whole new lifestyle that just kept progressing.  I'm now seriously training with the best in the world and wouldn't want to be on any other team.

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

Lucas: If you're in it for the money, you're tripping.  You have to really have a passion for it.  Long story short, finish school.  As for MMA really, make sure you like training.  Have fun learning and progressing in martial arts as a whole, not just cage fighting.  It makes everyday life seem a lot less stressful.  Never be scared to test yourself and always be confident in yourself and your skills.

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

Lucas: Nick and Nate Diaz, Jake Shields, and Gilbert Melendez because they bring the fight to every opponent and never back down from a challenge.  Mad respect for my team.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against James Terry on January 29th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Lucas: I think James Terry is a tough dude and a good athlete, but I'm a better fighter.  I believe that this is right where I should be, fighting tough fights.

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

Lucas: Constant progression as a martial artist and a good healthy lifestyle.

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

Lucas: I'd have to say both of my older brothers.  I always thought they were pretty tough, so I had to be tough too.

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

Lucas: My son is number one.  As far as hobbies and interests go, I enjoy skateboarding, tattoos and art, love a good concert, traveling is great (got a lot of that to do), chilling with my homies, exercise, eating, sleeping, and yeah, that's about it.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Lucas: I think my oldest memory is getting lost at Disneyland as a toddler.  They found me by the tea cups.  (Laughs)

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

Lucas: I'll drop pretty much anything I'm doing to watch an episode of COPS, even if it's an episode that's like twelve years old.

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

Lucas: I don't know that I relate to him, but I always liked Wolverine.  He is always super pissed and comes back from an ass-whooping to beat the shit out of the baddest villains.  He also smokes, drinks, and is a womanizer.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Lucas Gamaza in the following places:

Official Lucas Gamaza Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001032923029

Lucas Gamaza on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Lucas-Gamaza-30725

Lucas Gamaza Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/30725

10 Questions With Demetrious Johnson (by Darrick Patrick)

Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, King of the Cage, Alaska Fighting Championship, and Genesis Fights.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Norifumi Yamamoto in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort on February 5th, 2011.

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

Demetrious: Well, the journey was a long one and I am still on that path to master the sport.  It started out when I was in eighth grade, I started wrestling and I continued into high school.  After high school, I went into MMA after watching the first season of The Ultimate Fighter.  Luckily for me I got hooked up with AMC.

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

Demetrious: My mom was a major influence to me while I was growing up.  She always told me, "Anything you want to do, just go do it.  Don't let anyone stop you, just do it."

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

Demetrious: My family, friends, and training partners.  They believe in me and that gives me the strength to do the things that I love to do.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Norifumi Yamamoto on February 5th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Demetrious: This next fight against Yamamoto on February 5th is going to be fireworks.  I've been training really hard for this fight.  I can't wait to get back in there and go to battle.

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

Demetrious: A word of advice to other peeps trying to start fighting in MMA is to just have fun and take it in moderation.  It's a journey, not something you go into just to make a few bucks.

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

Demetrious: I respect a lot of fighters, one being Matt Hume.  He has so much knowledge and he is willing to share it with me.  Jose Aldo is another fighter I have a lot of respect for.  I think his style of fighting and the way he does his thing in the cage is awesome.

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

Demetrious: Paintballing is one of my interests, I really love to do that.  If I do good, Ms. Mouse said she will get me a new paintball gun.  (Smiles)  I also enjoy snowboarding and spending time with family, friends, and my fiancée.

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

Demetrious: I am a very good dancer and I love to dance.  Also, I hope one day I can fix my tone deafness and maybe write music at some point in time.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Demetrious: My earliest memory is probably of playing Nintendo with my mom and arguing over who gets the next power-up on Contra.

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

Demetrious: My superpowers would be regeneration.  I would be just like Deadpool.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Demetrious Johnson in the following places:

Official Demetrious Johnson Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Demetrious-Johnson/100000861251241

Official Demetrious Johnson Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/mightymouseufc

Demetrious Johnson on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Demetrious-Johnson-45452

10 Questions With Matt Traylor (by Darrick Patrick)

Matt Traylor is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Xtreme Fighting Championships, Bobish's Ultimate Cage Battles, KoKings, MMA Big Show, Absolute Cage Fighting, and Bangkok Fight Night.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Zach Underwood at SportFight X: Middle Tennessee Mayhem on January 29th, 2011.

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

Matt: After my college playing days were over, I knew I still wanted to compete at a high level.  I already loved MMA, but now I had the time to train.  After training for a year and a half, I had my first exhibition fight.  I knocked my guy out with a head kick and was hooked.  No touchdown, home run, or diving catch had ever given me that much of an adrenaline rush.  I knew then I wanted to do it again and I haven't stopped.

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

Matt: I respect all fighters who train and act like professionals.  I especially respect and like watching guys like Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida, Shogun, Georges St-Pierre (GSP), B.J. Penn, and Jose Aldo.  Those guys are the best, so I like watching those guys.

A fighter though that I respect and learn from on a daily basis is Rafaello "Tractor" Oliveira.  We're training partners and he's fought in big shows, including the UFC.  He and his family left Brazil and moved here so he could fulfill his dreams of fighting at the highest level and have a better life.  That shows loads of courage and commitment to your dreams.  I've been able to learn from the ups and downs of his career.

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

Matt: I've always enjoyed training and working out.  MMA training is not only the best workout, but also the most fun.  So, I always look forward to the workouts and enjoy the fact that it keeps me in shape.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Zach Underwood on January 29th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Matt: This will certainly be an exciting fight.  Zach is a very popular fighter and is extremely tough and well-rounded.  He brings a lot to the table, so I'm really looking forward to getting in there competing with Zach as well as giving the fans an entertaining fight.

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

Matt: I would say to find a good gym with good coaches and training partners.  One that you fit in well at and are comfortable with.  Train consistently and be don't be in a hurry.  It takes time to become mentally and physically prepared to handle fight training and competing.  Humble yourself and be patient because preparation is key.

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

Matt: I've been fortunate.  Many coaches I've had in my athletic career have served as great influences.  As I've gotten older though, learning about the life of Jesus and the real man he was has served me well.  My dad and brothers have also been solid influences.  They love the Lord and have shown me what a good husband and father is supposed to look like.

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

Matt: I love football, especially college football and Auburn football.  Football season is the best time of the year.  I also enjoy relaxing and spending time with family and friends.  All of my family is in town, so there's always something going on.

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

Matt: I played D-1 baseball.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Matt: Wow.  Tough one here.  (Laughs)  I think my oldest memory is me sitting up in bed, crying and scared, because it was dark and I thought someone was standing in the doorway waiting to hurt me.

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

Matt: The first would be for three more wishes, is that allowed?  (Laughs)  The second would be for my little girl, and any other children I have, to know and love the Lord.  Third, I'd wish for unimaginable success in everything I do.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Matt Traylor in the following places:

Official Matt Traylor Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000423607731

Matt Traylor on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Matt-Traylor-43407

10 Questions With Antonio Banuelos (by Darrick Patrick)

Antonio Banuelos is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, Palace Fighting Championship, Fury Full Contact Fighting, Ultimate Cage Wars, SportFight, Rumble on the Rock, Universal Above Ground Fighting, International Fighting Championship, and Warriors Quest.  He was also featured on an episode of the television show TapouT during the first season of the series.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Miguel Torres in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort on February 5th, 2011.

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

Antonio: I wrestled all of my life.  I got a scholarship to Cal Poly, messed that up, and quit wrestling.  I became a drunk for awhile and then started training because Beau "One Man Army" Taylor and Jake Shields got me into it.  Then, I met Chuck Liddell who kept me out of trouble and helped me start my fighting career.

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

Antonio: Just become a gym rat and train in every aspect of the sport.  Train hard and always believe in yourself.

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

Antonio: Chuck Liddell and B.J. Penn due to them being living legends and having done it all in the sport.  Also, Jake Shields because I've known him since college and I know what he has been through to get to where he is at today.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Miguel Torres on February 5th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Antonio: I'm excited for my fight against Miguel.  It;s a great opportunity for me and it's an honor to be the opening fight on the main card at UFC 126.

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

Antonio: The fact that I have goals in my life.  It gives me something to live for.

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

Antonio: My mom and dad.  Everyone says they can see both their personalities in me.  Also, my old wrestling coaches Jeff and John Tripp.

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

Antonio: My two dogs, a Chihuahua named Rancid and my pit bull Toki.  I like to listen to music, go to concerts, and hang out with my friends.

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

Antonio: I like anime and Adult Swim on Cartoon Network.  I also once got C.C. Deville, the lead guitarist from Poison, in an armbar.

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?

Antonio: My iPod, sunblock - SPF 50, and a lamp with a genie in it to grant me wishes.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Antonio: Hanging out at my grandma's house in Tulare with my crazy family.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Antonio Banuelos in the following places:

Official Antonio Banuelos Website:

http://www.antoniobanuelos.com

Official Antonio Banuelos MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/thepitantonio

Official Antonio Banuelos Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1775667481

Official Antonio Banuelos Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/antoniobanuelos

Antonio Banuelos on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Antonio-Banuelos-2580

Antonio Banuelos Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/2580

10 Questions With Mark Hominick (by Darrick Patrick)

Mark "The Machine" Hominick is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, World Extreme Cagefighting, Affliction, TKO Major League MMA, Ring of Fire, Tournament Fighting Championships, SuperBrawl, and Extreme Challenge.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against George Roop in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC: Fight for the Troops 2 on January 22nd, 2011.

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

Mark: I got introduced to MMA through my ninth grade physical education class.  Our class visited a local martial arts studio for an orientation training week and I was hooked on the first day.  Within two weeks I began competing in grappling tournaments.  It progressed from there into kickboxing and finally mixed martial arts.

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

Mark: My biggest mentor in the sport is Shawn Tompkins, who is my current trainer and the man who truly made me into the man and fighter I am today.  I met Shawn in 2000 and began kickboxing under him and then progressed into professional MMA when I turned eighteen years old.  Shawn taught me about passion, hard work, and dedication.  Something that I try to focus and implement every day of my life.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against George Roop on January 22nd.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Mark: It is frustrating that I have to fight one of my teammates, but we have both put that aside and are going in to take one another out.  We both have momentum going into this fight, so I plan on continuing my winning streak in impressive fashion.  I am really focused on reintroducing myself to the UFC and illustrate why I am the number one contender in the 145-pound division.

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

Mark: MMA is my passion and I feel blessed that I get to live my dream every day.

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

Mark: Shawn Tompkins has influenced me both in my MMA and personal life, so he is someone I respect on so many levels.  Also, I grew up and live in a small town.  So, my friends and family give me strength and motivate me.

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

Mark: I think the biggest thing to remember for young fighters coming up is to focus on taking time to complete and round out your game in all areas of mixed martial arts.  One mistake I always see young fighters do is rush into fighting too early before they have developed amateur experience.  A way to avoid being rushed into fighting too early is to surround yourself with respected trainers and training partners who have had the experience to help in decision making.

Darrick: Outside of mixed martial arts, what are your other interests?

Mark: Spending time with my wife, friends, and family close to home, as well as going fishing.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Mark: My oldest memory is being in Thamesford where I grew up and live right now, just being around with my friends playing hockey.

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

Mark: I hate horror movies and avoid having to watch them.

Darrick: If you had 24 hours left to live, how would you spend that time?

Mark: My last twenty-four hours would be spent with my wife, family, and close friends.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

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

Official Mark Hominick Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Mark-Hominick/514375147

Official Mark Hominick Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/markhominick

Mark Hominick on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Mark-Hominick-4728

Mark Hominick Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/4728

10 Questions With Ryan Jimmo (by Darrick Patrick)

Ryan "The Big Deal" Jimmo is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as the Maximum Fighting Championship, Phoenix Fight Promotions, Xtreme MMA, X-Fight, and Extreme Cage Combat.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Dwayne Lewis in the main event of Maximum Fighting Championship at MFC 28: Supremacy on February 25th, 2011.

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

Ryan: My journey started in my home informally at three to four years of age.  My father competed and trained in Japan for Karate, so it was in my household.  My brother was also studying it and is eight years older than me, thus me picking it up at a young age.  I competed from the age of ten until I was twenty-four years old.  I picked up four national titles and several Pan Am medals, as well as winning some other international competitions.  MMA was attractive to me because of the challenge and the rewards that were available due to it's increased media outlets.  So, I learned how to fight on the ground and began mixed martial arts.

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

Ryan: My words of advice would be not to jump into fighting in the ring too quick.  Build a base first.  Everyone seems to want to get in the ring, get their fifteen minutes of fame, and be a rock star.  A lot of people though don't understand the importance of a solid base of technique and being properly trained.

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

Ryan: Georges St-Pierre (GSP) comes first to my mind, his technical excellence in all areas is unmatched in MMA.  I also like Anderson Silva's precision striking, Lyoto Machida due to his excellent Karate techniques, and Randy Couture because of his game plans and his willingness to stand against the established perception.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Dwayne Lewis on February 25th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Ryan: Dwayne Lewis is a powerful guy and I'm training very hard to make sure that I come out on top.  He has knockout power and is dangerous at any time in a fight.

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

Ryan: I study martial arts and fight to find a sense of quiet in my mind.  When I am training and fighting, I can not think of anything else.  I enjoy that sense of focus and the silence of my mind when it is concentrating.

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

Ryan: I would have to say my parents.  My father because he was my Karate teacher and had a great work ethic.  Not just in Karate, but in life.  My mother due to her sense of dedication and love towards her family.  I also loved superheroes and action stars when I was a young child, from The Incredible Hulk to Hulk Hogan to Spider-Man to Arnold Schwarzenegger.  I always wanted to be larger than life.

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

Ryan: I enjoy playing chess and studying physics.  I also rather enjoy all types of dancing, but mostly breakdancing.  I do one mean robot.

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

Ryan: I enjoy doing the dishes by hand on a Sunday afternoon.  I'll see how perfectly I can dry each dish and perfect the system which I use.

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

Ryan: I would do the robot.  (Laughs)

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Ryan: Sticking my finger in an electric outlet when I was very young.  Ouch, thanks for reminding me.  Ha!

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Ryan Jimmo in the following places:

Official Ryan Jimmo Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Ryan-Jimmo/526857272

Ryan Jimmo on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Ryan-Jimmo-21044

Ryan Jimmo Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/21044

10 Questions With Devan Plaisance (by Darrick Patrick)

Devan Plaisance is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Absolute Cage Fights, Xtreme Fighting Championships, Wild Bill's Fight Night, MMA Big Show, International Sport Combat Federation, and Close Quarters Combat.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Adrian Miles at SportFight X: Middle Tennessee Mayhem on January 29th, 2011.

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

Devan: I have always been fighting.  I started when I was five years old doing Isshin-Ryu Karate.  Then I transitioned into boxing, kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  So, it's always been in me.

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

Devan: I have a lot of respect for Randy Couture.  He is one of the people out there that fights because he loves it and has always gotten better.

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

Devan: In martial arts, what gives me the most fulfillment is getting to teach my kid's class and see them grow in the arts.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Adrian Miles on January 29th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Devan: I'm just happy to be fighting in a quality show like SportFight X and to have a good fighter to be matched up with.  I think it will be a war.

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

Devan: Be sure to have good training partners and always be persistent in what you do.

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

Devan: My dad has always been there for me, backing me and pushing me.  He keeps my head straight.  Another person is James Ogle, who started me off in MMA at the age of eighteen.  He has always been there as a coach and a friend.

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

Devan: Well, I spend most of my time teaching kids but other than that I'm like every other guy.  I like me some football and Xbox.  (Laughs)

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Devan: My earliest memory is of my dad training me in the front yard, throwing tennis balls while I punched and kicked them.

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

Devan: I hate spiders.  (Laughs)

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?

Devan: A television, a XBox, and my dog, Bruce.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Devan Plaisance in the following places:

Official Devan Plaisance MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/devanmma

Official Devan Plaisance Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/devan.plaisance

Devan Plaisance on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Devon-Plaisance-26189