10 Questions With Brad Dillon (by Darrick Patrick)

Brad Dillon is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in events such as Next Level Fighting and Fight Force International.  He is also an aspiring actor and stunt man working on making major moves in the film industry.

Darrick: What road led you to professional mixed martial arts?

Brad: I have studied martial arts since I was four.  MMA is the new evolution of martial arts, so naturally I got into it!

Darrick: Who is someone in the sport that you've always admired?

Brad: I have always admired Kazushi Sakuraba!  He has the heart of a lion and is a great fighter & person!

Darrick: What does a typical workout session for you consist of?

Brad: A typical session starts at 5 a.m. with a two mile run, then I eat and take my supplements.  At 10 a.m. I train my technique in Muay Thai and BJJ, then I take the afternoon off.  In the evening I train again - bagwork, drills, cardio, etc.!  I also lift weights three days a week at the local gym.  I'm really sporatic with my training!

Darrick: You're also available for seminars, tell us more about that.

Brad: More than anything I want to teach people what I know and share my knowledge!  I am developing my own fighting system that will have a belt rank system and I want to try to spread it worldwide!  Teaching is something I'm more concerned with than becoming a champion!

If anyone would like more info on private training and seminars, I can be contacted on my MySpace account!  I also help other fighters prepare for upcoming fights!

Darrick: Who are some of the people that have greatly inspired you in life?

Brad: My parents 'cause they never gave up on me, Jackie Chan, and now my wife - she makes me the strongest!

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

Brad: I love to camp, hike, and spend time in the outdoors doing crazy stuff like Bear Grylls on Man vs. Wild!  Also, spending time with my wife and my son!

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

Brad: SPIDER-MAN! I'm long and lean with long arms & legs that wrap people up while grappling.  I am also a master at the infamous spider guard technique!

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

Brad: I'm actually a really sensitive guy for being a hardcore fighter!

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Brad: Winning my first national karate title at the age of seven!

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

Brad: Not as a great fighter, not as a great athlete, or anything like that. I would like to be remembered as a great husband, father, son, brother and most importantly - a great person!

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

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

Official Brad Dillon MySpace Site:

http://www.myspace.com/77275409

Official Brad Dillon MySpace Music Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/mistersinister336

Brad Dillon on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=21484

Tags: Brad Dillon Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Ray Elbe (by Darrick Patrick)

"Magical" Ray Elbe is a professional mixed martial arts fighter who has battled in organizations such as King Of The Cage, Total Combat, Kickdown, Full Contact Fighting Association, Xtreme Cage Fighter, Over The Edge, Rage In The Cage, Mexico Fight Night, Rumble On The Rock, Party Boy Productions, and King Of The Rockies.  He is currently living and training in Thailand.

Darrick: What road did you travel to be a professional mixed martial artist?

Ray: I began training in Arizona under Gladiator Challenge champion Del Hawkins.  While with Del, I met BJJ Purple Belt Steve Hochuli and continued learning my ground game.  I trained a mixture of boxing and Muay Thai at various gyms before eventually making my way to California.  While in southern California, I trained at No Limits - and eventually received my BJJ Purple Belt from 2nd degree BJJ BB Juliano Prado.

I am currently living and training Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand at the Tiger Muay Thai training facility.  I have a 20-11 professional MMA record and am now looking to compete internationally.  My next fight is November 10th in Russia.

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

Ray: As a professional fighter, MMA takes up a majority of my time.  It is my number one hobby, my job, and where most of my friends exist.  I love teaching and actually have a degree in elementary education from Grand Canyon University.  I love anything that gives me a chance to have fun with friends.

Darrick: We've established that you're currently living in Thailand.  Tell us how the experience has been for you so far.

Ray: Thailand is great.  I am learning a new culture and sharpening my Muay Thai skills.  I am currently helping to pioneer MMA in a country that has 50,000 professional Muay Thai fighters.  It is a unique opportunity to share "my skill" in exchange for theirs.

Darrick: What are the details on the Bangkok grappling tournament you'll be in on October 20th?

Ray: The SouthEast Asian Grappling games (SEAgrappling.com) is the largest grappling tournament in Southeast Asia.  The event features grapplers from Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, USA, Taiwan, China, and several other countries.  Besides myself competing in the elite division, I also have several other students looking for medals.  Tiger Muay Thai (TMT) is going to compete for the tournament team trophy this year.

Darrick: Also, on November 10th you'll be in Russia competing on national television.  Tell us about that.

Ray: The event is Russia Vs. The World.  It is going to be held in Khabarovsk, Russia.  The promotion is called the "Governor's Cup 2007".  Besides myself, TMT fighter "Ngoo" will also be competing.  He is a Champion Muay Thai fighter transitioning to MMA.

Both of us were selected to represent the Bangkok Fight Club by team organizer and BJJ Purple Belt Alex Berezovik.  Alex has one of the most accomplished MMA/grappling programs in Thailand and it is an honor to be hand selected to represent the "World Team" vs. Russia.

Darrick: Who are some of the individuals in the sport that you greatly respect?

Ray: I have trained with many great fighters.  To earn my respect, a fighter can not only be a great athlete but they have to be a good person as well.  I really respect fighters who train hard everyday and continue to lead in the gym by example.

Darrick: How do you feel right before a fight begins?

Ray: After 30 fights, I've learned to prepare myself mentally for a fight.  I train hard and I am in great shape anytime I step into a ring.  I really do feel like a rockstar as I walk to the ring - the lights, the cameras, the groupies.  As the cage shuts and I hear the bell sound starting the fight, everything blacks out and I get a strange feeling: like I'm playing Tyson's Punchout for Nintendo and I'm just picking the computer apart!

Darrick: What is something most people don't know about you?

Ray: Most people don't know that I am a professional music junkie.  I own over 500 CD's ranging from Alice Cooper to BB King - all the way to Erykah Badu and 50 Cent.

Darrick: If you were communicating with aliens from outer space, how would you describe humanity as a whole to them?

Ray: I would draw them an image using color markers and Japanimation pictures.

Darrick: Tell us your oldest memory.

Ray: Oldest memory?  My mom picking me up from the babysitter after working all night.  She would pick her sleeping 5-year-old up at 6:00 a.m. and take him out to Denny's for breakfast.  My mom really struggled when I was younger.  I have great memories of her doing the best she could to provide.

Thanks for the interview!  I would like to thank my sponsors Cryogel.tv, Buttasmooth Entertainment, MMAphuket.com, and Frisky Bar - Kata, Thailand.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Ray Elbe in the following places:

Official Ray Elbe MySpace Site:

http://www.myspace.com/magicalray

Official Tiger Muay Thai Website:

http://www.tigermuaythai.com

Ray Elbe on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=5911

Ray Elbe Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=5911@@Ray%20Elbe

Tags: Ray Elbe Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Richard Montoya (by Darrick Patrick)

Richard Montoya is a professional mixed martial arts fighter who has battled in organizations such as King Of The Cage, International Fighting Championship, Gladiator Challenge, Palace Fighting Championship, and World Extreme Cagefighting.

Darrick: What led you to professional mixed martial arts?

Richard: My wife got tired of me beating up on her, so she told me to pick on someone my own size.  No, really: she encouraged me to follow my dreams and introduced me to one trainer, who introduced me to another, and so on.

Darrick: You're also an iron worker, what does that consist of?

Richard: Working hard, slaving for the white man.  Sorry...building bridges, buildings, all types of structures.  It's actually more dangerous than fighting.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of MMA?

Richard: Getting better and becoming a more well-rounded fighter.  I also like training others and showing them what I've learned.

Darrick: Who are some of the people who have influenced you?

Richard: I've crossed paths with a lot of people who have influenced me along the way.  There are way too many to mention here.

Darrick: What are some of your tattoos of?

Richard: I got all kinds of different demonic stuff, but I do have my mom's name tattooed too.

Darrick: How do you feel right before a fight begins?

Richard: Each fight is different, but I usually like to feel good and confident.  You can lose a fight before you even get in the cage if you don't think that way.

Darrick: What would you like people to remember most about you?

Richard: That I'm actually a good guy.

Darrick: If you had a radio station, what would be some of the features on it?

Richard: Really good music, no talk, and no commercials.

Darrick: What's something most people don't know about you?

Richard: I'm a karaoke singing fool.  I like to sing Motown, rock, etc. and I am available for Bah Mitzvahz and weddings.

Darrick: Would you rather try to fight off a shark or a tiger?

Richard: A tiger because I would hate to die drowning.  If I fought a tiger, I might have a chance to use my impala-like speed and swiftness to run away.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Richard Montoya in the following places:

Offical Richard Montoya MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/richardmontoya

Richard Montoya on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=8576

Richard Montoya Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=8576@@Richard%20Montoya

Tags: Richard Montoya Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Jeremy Jackson (by Darrick Patrick)

Jeremy "Scorpion" Jackson is a professional MMA fighter who has appeared in events such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Total Combat, Ring Of Honor, World Extreme Cagefighting, Kage Kombat, Gladiator Challenge, Ultimate Athlete, International Fighting Championship, and King Of The Cage.  He was also a member of Season 4 of the television show The Ultimate Fighter which was broadcast on Spike TV.

Darrick: Explain to us how you got into MMA.

Jeremy: My older brother brought home a UFC tape from Blockbuster with Royce Gracie versus Ken Shamrock.  Every since then, I started training in many different styles.  When I graduated high school, I moved up north to train with Robert Furgeson.  I slipped a note under his door saying, "I want to be the next UFC champion.  Can you help me?"  I've been training with him every since.

Darrick: Who's someone in particular that you've always admired in the sport?

Jeremy: I would have to say Shonie Carter.  He has been with the sport since the beginning and is a very exciting fighter.  He has fought all over the world and has beat the best.  Not to mention he probably has the most fights out there.

Darrick: What are your other interests outside of mixed martial arts?

Jeremy: I play guitar and I am the lead singer in a band.  I want to focus on that after my fighting career.  I also love going to Six Flags and Universal Studios as much as I can - I am like a big kid.

Darrick: Tell us about the gym you've opened in California.

Jeremy: It is a split image of what you see on The Ultimate Fighter reality show on Spike TV.  The only thing different is that I have a full size Olympic weight room and rock climbing.  I have been meeting a lot of new talent since the gym has been opened.

Darrick: Who would you like to meet in a match that you haven't yet fought?

Jeremy: GSP (Georges St. Pierre), Renzo Gracie, and Matt Hughes.

Darrick: How do you feel right before a fight starts?

Jeremy: I usually start to think about why am I doing this again.  I have to remind myself why I do this right before a fight.  I think about what a rough job I have.

Darrick: What would you like people to remember most about you?

Jeremy: That no matter what I have been through in life, I never give up.  I never in a million years thought I would make it this far.  And to think so many times I almost gave up on life.  Something in me told me I have to live.  Now, I have a beautiful son and people watch me on television.  It really is a dream come true.

Darrick: If you were stuck in the middle of an ocean with only three items, what would they be and why?

Jeremy: A bottle of sun screen, water, and a machine gun.  Sun screen to prevent sun burn, water because I can't drink salt water, and a machine gun so I can kill fish to eat.  Or to keep sharks from eating me.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Jeremy: I remember sitting on the floor board of my dad's old Chevy truck.  It was late and I'm not sure what we were coming back from.  But I remember singing Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star as my older brother sang the ABCs.  Sorry it's such a boring memory!

Darrick: Let's hear something about you most people don't know.

Jeremy: I watch every episode of American Idol.  Oh, and I also watched Brokeback Mountain.  It actually was a good movie.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=2651@@Jeremy%20%20Jackson

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10 Questions With Andrew Chappelle (by Darrick Patrick)

Andrew "The Powerhouse" Chappelle is a professional mixed martial arts fighter who has appeared in events such as the International Fighting Championship, SuperBrawl, Undisputed Arena Fighting Championships, HOOKnSHOOT, Renegades Extreme Fighting, Talon Challenge, Reality Combat Fighting, Ring Of Honor, and the International Sport Combat Federation.

Darrick: How did you get into mixed martial arts?

Andrew: Like most kids, I got into a lot of fights as a young one.  I was really good at it, so when a friend of mine told me that some Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt was living in San Antonio, Texas: I was stoked and decided to check him out.  I started training at around 15 to 16 years old and got really good.

After a couple years of training, I entered some grappling tourneys and did really well.  I won the Absolute and my weight division the first time competing.  I also did a little boxing as a kid.  I started training a lot of kickboxing shortly after getting into grappling.  I started mixing it up and ended up with a pretty well-rounded game.

Darrick: You're also an airborne ranger.  Tell us about that.

Andrew: Oh yeah, well, being a ranger is great.  It was a life changing experience for me.  I have a blog on my MySpace account about Ranger School.  We do so much, so I left a lot out, but I give you a drift on how life was.

I am an Airborne Infantryman in the U.S. Army, with a Ranger Tab!  How sweet is that?!  Being a Ranger makes work fun.  It's hard to really explain the tactical advantage I have to those who aren't tactically incline from military experience, but as a person I have grown and changed so much.  To be a Ranger, you have proven yourself to have a Huge Heart!  I feel more confident now than I ever have before!

Darrick: What are your other interests outside of MMA?

Andrew: Ha ha, come on now.  I am a gym rat when not at work, and work takes up a lot of my time.  I like to run.  Running used to be a really big hobby of mine.

I like to swim as well.  I am an ex-gymnast, so I love to play around in a gymnasium from time to time.  I have been slacking on both due to how much time I've been having to put into the Army.  I like movies and hangin' out with my girlfriend.  I study a lot as well.

Darrick: Who are some of the people who have greatly influenced your life?

Andrew: Everyone has influenced me equally.

Darrick: What does a typical workout session for you consist of?

Andrew: Wow, well, I don't do the same type of work outs everytime I go to the gym, but I can say that gymnastics is a big part of my conditioning.  I play with a lot of my conditioning.  It makes training so much funner.

I swim and run for fun.  I'll hit the weights 2-3 times a week: any more than that and I blow up.  I hit the bag roll on the mat.  Some times we'll mix it up and do MMA.  I don't do anything special.  I don't have a set curriculum that I follow either.  Being in the Army, I couldn't keep up with a set schedule/curriculum.

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

Andrew: I have the potential of being a World Champion.  I have a year & a half left in the U.S. Army and when my ETS date comes, I'll be a full time college student/professional fighter.  I'll have more time to train and will be making huge waves in MMA.

Darrick: What's the most fulfilling aspect of MMA to you?

Andrew: I love the sport.  Man vs. Man, no weapons, no number advantages: just a clean fight!  MMA is the ultimate sport!

Darrick: If you were stuck in the middle of a jungle with no supplies, what would be the first thing that you would do?

Andrew: I'd try to pin point my location and work from there.

Darrick: Would you eat another person to stay alive?

Andrew: No, I don't see that happening. (Laughs)  I have morals, and even if I didn't, my mind set wouldn't look at a human as food.  Not to mention that I wouldn't be ignorant enough to think I couldn't find food otherwise.  Believe me, I have been food deprived and I know how it is to really be hungry!

Darrick: If you were born at another point in time, what time period would you prefer?

Andrew: I like my time period. (Smiles)

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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10 Questions With James Lee (by Darrick Patrick)

James Lee is a professional MMA fighter who has appeared in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, PRIDE, King Of The Cage, Pancrase, King Of The Ring, and Gladiator Challenge.  At the time of this interview, his last match was a submission victory over Travis Wiuff at PRIDE 33.

Darrick: What was the path that led you to being a professional mixed martial artist?

James: Wrestling and Relson Gracie.

Darrick: You recently had a match in PRIDE 33.  How did that come about?

James: For the last two years I had been hearing that they were going to use me and it finally happened.

Darrick: What is one of your most memorable fights?

James: PRIDE 33 with Travis Wiuff.  It doesn't get any better than winning in PRIDE.

Darrick: Give us a little insight into the Mash Fight Team.

James: MASH stands for Martial Arts Submission Hybrid.  My friend Duane Dreasky and I created it in 1999: he died in Iraq.  We train here in Detroit and the team consists of myself, Michael Westbrook (NFL superstar), Bryan Harper, Derrick Keasley, John Mahlow, Joe Santiago, Don Richard, Myles Jury, Greg Mayer, and Joe Voison.

Darrick: Besides MMA, what else are you into?

James: Enjoying raising my son - I am a single dad with full custody.  I'm into reading, spreading public awareness about the Illuminati, and I go to the movies three times a week.

Darrick: What would you like to do when you retire from fighting?

James: I own an agency where I place titty dancers in strip bars and a mortgage company.  I will still manage and train fighters when I'm retired.

Darrick: Who have been big influences in your life?

James: I never had any influences growing up.  I did admire Muhammad Ali though.

Darrick: If you created a reality TV show, what would it be?

James: I would have child molesters killed on TV.

Darrick: In a fight with a polar bear, how would you try to win?

James: Rear naked choke all the way with an eye gouge! (Laughs)

Darrick: What three emcees would you love to do an official James Lee theme song?

James: It would have to be Ras Kass, Canibus, and Elzhi of Slum Village.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out James Lee in the following places:

Official James Lee MySpace Site:

http://www.myspace.com/jamesdeonlee

Offical Mash Fight Team MySpace Site:

http://www.myspace.com/mashfightteam

James Lee on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=2224

James Lee Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=2224@@James%20Lee

Tags: James Lee Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial A

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10 Questions With Roxanne Modafferi (by Darrick Patrick)

Roxanne Modafferi is a professional MMA fighter who has fought in various extremely honorable events such as the International Fighting Championship, Greatest Common Multiple, Smackgirl, Mix Fighting Championships, Ring Of Combat, G-Shooto, Fatal Femmes Fighting, MARS, and HOOKnSHOOT.  She is currently working on her first novel while teaching English in Japan.

Darrick: What path led you to professional mixed martial arts?

Roxanne: I'd been doing competitive styles of martial arts, such as Judo and got into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  When I saw my first UFC over at a BJJ buddie's house, I was slightly appalled.  Eventually, I got carried away in the enthusiasm of my friends and started training it more & more until I just loved it.

Darrick: You're currently living in Japan teaching English as well - tell us about that.

Roxanne: Teaching English is fun and rewarding.  A big majority of our clients are business men who need to either use English at work, or are being transferred to foreign countries.  They tend to study hard and we can enjoy intelligent conversations.  Of course I also teach kids, university students, and the average hobbies.  It's a full time job in a shift-like schedule, so I might either work from early morning to afternoon, or only work night, or work mornings, have a break in the afternoon, and then work a night shift.  Berlitz is the best English school in Japan, I believe, and I'm very happy and fortunate to work there.

Darrick: Are there any extra hurdles being a female in pro MMA or is it basically the same struggle for both genders?

Roxanne: The biggest hurdle is that some men don't think women can fight, or don't want to see them fight.  I do agree that the development levels are staggered, but lately the women's skill level has seriously risen.  You can have less experienced women flailing about in the ring just as easily as amateur men fighters.  It's tough to get fights sometimes because of the small pool of women fighters.  Especially being in Japan, where there aren't women my size, it's more of a challenge to find fights.

Darrick: Can you tell us anything about the novel you've been working on?

Roxanne: The novel I'm working on is an autobiographical story about my life when I went on exchange to Japan during my junior year in college.  I write about my cultural experiences, struggles, amusing circumstances, how I had my first debut match in MMA, and generally became the person I am now.  It's three fourths done, and now I'm currently looking for an agent.

Darrick: What does one of your normal training sessions consist of?

Roxanne: We do warm-ups for about five minutes, which consist of the usual forward rolls, tumbles, front drags army-style, shrimping, etc.  Following this, one of the pro fighters teaches technique for about a hour and we drill it: such as sweeps, submissions, etc.  The technique class is from 7 to 8:30, following which the pro opens class to sparring.  Usually by that time, ten to fifteen other fighters have been gathering on the side stretching by themselves.  They jump in and we all spar with grappling & MMA intensively for the next hour and a half.

Sometimes if the crowded room clears out a bit, we put on gloves and do kickboxing.  Our gym boss, Mr. Moriyama, often sits on the side yelling out advice and egging on the pros who might be slacking.  If I can't make it to the dojo, I go to Gold's Gym and lift weights, hit the heavy bag, and shadow box.

Darrick: Outside of martial arts and writing, what are some of your other interests?

Roxanne: I love watching Japanese animation and studying the Japanese language as much as possible.  Becoming fluent in Japanese is actually my main reason for coming here, but I have so little time to focus on that.  I also write and enjoy going to Izakaya (Japanese style bar/restaurants) with my co-workers and Berlitz students.

Darrick: What people have been great influences to you?

Roxanne: Both of my parents have had the greatest influence on me and still play major roles in my life.  I talk to them almost every week and benefit from their confidence, advice, and love.  My previous MMA coach Kirik Jenness has been the second hugest supporter for me, never believing for a second that a woman couldn't become a pro fighter.  He's always been at my side during my struggles as I reach for my dreams.

Darrick: If you had a chance to be the brains behind a video game, what kind of game would it be?

Roxanne: Do you mean invent a game or be a character in a story?  Why, I'd be the warrior princess of course!  I like fighting games, but I think role-playing games are more like real life.  You wander around villages dazed and confused, trying to understand which way to go from little maps, talking to people for advice and getting items to help you along the way.  If you stray from the path, you get attacked by monsters.

Darrick: Tell us your oldest memory.

Roxanne: When I was very very little, my father the business man went to work in the morning and came home in the evening.  When I heard him close the garage door, I always used to run thumping down the hall crying "Daddy Daddy!" to meet him.  One day, I slipped and fell on my face.  I don't remember if he laughed or not (maybe it was me, because I now think it's pretty funny), but he picked me up and carried me into the kitchen.  I remember being so happy pressing against my loving father's clean-pressed suit, but also my face hurt, so I was crying.

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

Roxanne: Unfortunately, I relate in some ways to the Dragon Ball Z gang.  I say "unfortunately" because they're always getting the living crap kicked out of themselves.  I relate to Vegeta because he feels like he's always being surpassed by his peers, and no matter what he does, he's frustrated he can't reach the level he wants.  I sometimes feel like Krillin because he gets physically beat up alot: and like Gohan who can work hard, see the fruits of his efforts, kick butt, and get recognition & fame.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Roxanne Modafferi in the following places:

Official Roxanne Modafferi MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/roxyfighter

Official Roxanne Modafferi YouTube Page:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Rox23

Roxanne Modafferi on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=8785

Roxanne Modafferi Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=8785@@Roxanne%20Modafferi

Tags: Roxanne Modafferi Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Ar

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10 Questions With Elvis Sinosic (by Darrick Patrick)

Elvis Sinosic is a professional mixed martial artist who has fought in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Pancrase, Cage Rage, X-plosion, Warriors Realm, Fighter Extreme, K-1, Rings Australia, UCC, Caged Combat, and Australia Vale Tudo.  He has competed against opponents such as Frank Shamrock, Tito Ortiz, Forrest Griffin, Jeremy Horn, Evan Tanner, and Renato Sobral.  At the time of this interview, his next fight will be against Michael Bisping on April 21st, 2007 at UFC 70.

Darrick: Give us a little insight into how you got into mixed martial arts.

Elvis: I first found out about the UFC through a friend who loaned me a tape of UFC 2.  From the first match, I was hooked on MMA.  I thought at the time that it was something I wanted to try at least once.  Later on, I heard about a show coming to Australia: The Australasian UFC (which was later renamed Caged Combat 1).  I figured I had to get in there and test myself.  I guess the rest is all history.

Darrick: You have a fight coming up against Michael Bisping at UFC 70 - how have you been preparing for this match?

Elvis: Same as all my other recent matches.  Looking at footage to develop strategies.  Doing strength and conditioning training (weights, running, etc.).  Working my stand-up (padwork), working my grappling (BJJ, submission wrestling, wrestling, etc.), and sparring.  All the usual things.

In the lead-up to this match I just won the South Pacific ADCC trials and will be representing Australia at the ADCC World Championships in the SHW division.

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

Elvis: Other than teaching, training and fighting, there isn't a lot of time left.  When I do have time: I love to read books, play with my dogs, and spend time with my friends, family and loved ones as well as work on my house & garden.  I actually just bought myself a Kayak and I'm hoping to get out onto Sydney Harbour soon and give it a whirl.

Darrick: What would you say to younger fighters looking to make a career in mixed martial arts?

Elvis: I'd want to find out why they want to do this.  In Australia at the moment, there is not a lot of opportunity for a career in MMA.  Hopefully as MMA begins to grow and expand across the world, the opportunities will grow with it.

Darrick: Who would you like to meet in a match that you haven't had a chance to fight yet?

Elvis: Chuck Liddell.  He's the man right now in the LHW (205 lb.) division.  You gotta' always aim for the best.

Darrick: If you weren't a pro fighter, what do you think you would be doing?

Elvis: I think I would still be involved in martial arts, but focusing on teaching and passing on my knowledge (I already have an academy, SPMA).

Darrick: Who has been of great influence to you?

Elvis: My mother would have to be my greatest inspiration.  Her heart is amazing.  I am so proud to be her son.  I just hope the person I become is half the person she wanted me to be.

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

Elvis: Groo the Wanderer.  Groo is just trying to be himself and live his life with his loved ones.  Though in the process, he gets into a lot of mischief.  A funny, light-hearted comic.  If you haven't read it, you should check it out.

Darrick: Tell us about a crazy moment in the life of Elvis Sinosic.

Elvis: I don't really have many crazy moments.  Depends on how you look at things.  I guess you could say quitting my job to run a martial arts school would be considered crazy, but in hindsight it's one of the best decesions I ever made.

How about agreeing to fight a World Champion MMA Fighter on short notice?  How about stepping into a cage to face someone who wants to beat you up?  When I do things like that, nothing else really seems crazy.  Oh yeah, did I mention that I just bought a Kayak for something different to do?

Darrick: If you had 24 hours to live, what would you do?

Elvis: I'd probably want to spend it with my loved ones.  Who wants to be alone when you die?  I want my last hours spent with people I love and people who love me.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Elvis Sinosic in the following places:

Official Elvis Sinosic Website:

http://www.elvissinosic.com

Official Elvis Sinosic MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/elvissinosic

Stalk Elvis - Elvis Sinosic Fansite:

http://www.stalkelvis.com

Elvis Sinosic on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=281

Elvis Sinosic Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=281@@Elvis%20Sinosic

Tags: Elvis Sinosic Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts U

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10 Questions With Lee Shone (by Darrick Patrick)

Lee Shone is a professional mixed martial artist from the United Kingdom who has appeared in the Ultimate Combat organization.  He was the first non-American to pass the world famous Team Shamrock Try-Out to become a member of Frank Shamrock's elite fight team.  He is also the head trainer of the New Age Martial Arts Academy in Hebburn, England.

Darrick: How did you get into mixed martial arts?

Lee: I saw some early UFC fights and that was my first taste of MMA, but I had been into martial arts my whole life before that.

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

Lee: I enjoy art and like to draw when I can.  I follow MotoGP too, but most of my time is spent with my kids.

Darrick: What's coming up next in your career?

Lee: I'll be fighting in Ring Of Fire sometime in April, as it's been rescheduled so many times.  Maybe another fight in the states too, but we'll see!

Darrick: Who has influenced you the greatest in mixed martial arts?

Lee: Frank Shamrock and Duane Ludwig.

Darrick: What are some of the injuries that you've sustained while involved in the sport?

Lee: I have had quite a few actually.  I'm like the guy from the movie Unbreakable.  (Laughs)  Worst for me though was a fractured neck I got in my last pro fight.

Darrick: Tell us all a bit about the people outside of the cage who have greatly influenced you.

Lee: My friends and family are the ones that I think about.  Doing MMA though was something I wanted to do on my own.  I was looking for a challenge in life and this fit the bill.

Darrick: What does a typical workout session for you consist of?

Lee: I will either do weight training, pad work, or sparring.  I do two of those three each day, lasting an hour to an hour and a half.

Darrick: If you could fight any celebrity on a pay-per-view, who would it be?

Lee: That's a tough one.  Hmmm...I don't really dislike anyone on TV, so maybe I would fight a big name boxer to give mixed martial arts more exposure.

Darrick: What musician or band would be ideal to you for doing an official Lee Shone theme song?

Lee: I think Hans Zimmerman makes cool music for fighters.  So, good ol' Hans.

Darrick: If I dressed as Spider-Man, and you put on a Batman outfit - would you fight me on a live broadcast from the top of the Empire State Building?

Lee: Sure, man!  That would be funny TV!  No webbing though!!!

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Lee Shone in the following places:

Official Lee Shone MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/leeshone

Wikipedia Information for Lee Shone:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Shone

Lee Shone on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=4993

Tags: Lee Shone Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts Cyclo

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