10 Questions With Kyle Jackson (by Darrick Patrick)

Kyle "The Jackhammer" Jackson is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Fight King and Ultimate Combat Experience.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Jamie Toney in the Maximum Fighting Championship at MFC 32: Bitter Rivals on January 27th, 2012.

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

Kyle: I've been fascinated by martial arts since being a young child.  When other kids were watching Barney, I was kicking and punching along with Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  I signed up in my first kickboxing/Jiu-Jitsu class when I was nine years old.  The rest is history.

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

Kyle: Make sure you truly love the sport if you plan on making a career out of it.  It's no easy journey and it's the wrong sport to be in if you don't absolutely love it.

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

Kyle: My idols are Georges St-Pierre (GSP) and Greg Jackson.  GSP is the epitome of a well-rounded mixed martial artist and an exemplary role model for the sport.  I admire Jackson for his psychological approach to the sport and teaching method.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Jamie Toney on January 27th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Kyle: It's hands down the biggest fight of my career.  I know this fight is going to open a lot of doors for me and this is where my dreams start to be within my reach.

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

Kyle: That moment when my hand is raised after the fight, and the crowd's cheering is all I can hear.  That's the ultimate rush.

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

Kyle: My parents have always been my rock and support growing up.  I could always count on my mom to say the right thing to help me keep life in perspective.  My dad had the ability to make me laugh no matter what was troubling me.  They've both been more than helpful and supportive with my fighting career.  I know I would be nowhere near where I am today without them.

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

Kyle: I love to snowboard and to sketch.  I'm a somewhat talented artist.  I also love to lose myself in a good book.  Most other things fall to the wayside in my life these days.  Mixed martial arts has totally consumed my life, it's my passion.

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

Kyle: I still love watching action cartoons.  I have The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes series recorded at home.  (Laughs)

Darrick: If you lost one of your senses, which could you stand to be without?

Kyle: Probably hearing.  I enjoy silence and privacy.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Kyle: I remember a Sesame Street swing set in our backyard.  The large swing was Big Bird.  I don't remember ever swinging on it, just the sight of it from the back porch.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

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

Official Kyle Jackson Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001647472748

Official Kyle Jackson Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/KJ_JACKHAMMER

Kyle Jackson on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Kyle-Jackson-40140

10 Questions With Diego Bautista (by Darrick Patrick)

Diego Bautista is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Cage of Fire, Long Beach Fight Night, Respect in the Cage, BAMMA USA, and Total Fighting Alliance.  At the time of this short interview, his next scheduled match is against Ryan McGillivray in the Maximum Fighting Championship at MFC 32: Bitter Rivals on January 27th, 2012.

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

Diego: Mixed martial arts was just something that I was interested in.  It was an upcoming sport and I decided to take a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class.  I fell in love.

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

Diego: My trainer Tracy Hess has taught me everything I know about BJJ and he pushed me to further my MMA career.  Antonio McKee is another person who also pushes me beyond my limits.

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

Diego: Give it all you got.  It's not easy to get to the top.  A lot of heart and soul is required to be put into this sport.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Ryan McGillivray on January 27th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Diego: I've been training like no other for this fight with Ryan.  I am beyond prepared for this fight.  All of my hard work, will, and determintion will get me the win.

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

Diego: Having four kids at home, martial arts has helped me out with being able to relax and clear my mind.

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

Diego: My mother and my sister.  They have always been my support system.

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

Diego: I love to surf, snowboard, and play baseball.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Diego: My earliest memory is getting my face pushed into my birthday cake.  It was a clown cake.  I never got over that hideous clown face!

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

Diego: You just found out the reason why with the last question.  I am terrified of clowns.

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

Diego: The Hulk, hands down.  To my kids, I am the strongest man alive.  With me by their side, nothing can happen to them.  It's amazing that them feeling like that about me makes me believe in myself to the fullest.  Therefore, I am the Hulk.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Diego Bautista in the following places:

Official Diego Bautista Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001697308256

Official Diego Bautista Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/diegobautistasf

Diego Bautista Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Diego-Bautista-42610

Diego Bautista Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/42610

10 Questions With Mukai Maromo (by Darrick Patrick)

Mukai "The Afrikan Assassin" Maromo is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as King of the Cage, Awada Combat Club, Maximum Fighting Championship, and Aggression MMA.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Adam Lynn in the Maximum Fighting Championship at MFC 32: Bitter Rivals on January 27th, 2012.

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

Mukai: Originally, I started training in Muay Thai to stay in shape for track and field.  I was a NCAA track and field athlete.  The 400 meter was my thing.

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

Mukai: Diligence, patience, and perseverance.  The road to anything good is never straight and narrow, but rather meanders and it often strewn with obstacles.  Mixed martial arts is no different.

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

Mukai: I would have to go with the pioneers of the sport.  The guys who stuck to it and became icons of the game.  My top three are Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, and B.J. Penn.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Adam Lynn on January 27th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Mukai: It's a beautiful match-up.  A welcomed step-up and a real chance to showcase the caliber and extent of my Muay Thai skills.

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

Mukai: Self-improvement.  Going to bed a better man than when I woke up.

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

Mukai: My dad and older brother.  I doubt that I would be the same person without them.

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

Mukai: I'm a video game fanatic, avid reader of a wide genre of books, and an aspiring salsa dancer.  Yes, I'm a bit of a geek.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Mukai: My mother slapping a bus driver back home in Zimbabwe.  (Laughs)  I was probably five years old at the time.  Long story!

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

Mukai: I lost my virginity at the ripe and tender age of nineteen.  Pow!  Hard to believe with these devilish good looks, I know.  (Laughs)

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

Mukai: As a fighter, scholar, and gentleman.  Also, be sure to keep up with me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/afrikanassassin and at my official website: http://www.mukaimaromo.com.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Mukai Maromo in the following places:

Official Mukai Maromo Website:

http://www.mukaimaromo.com

Official Mukai Maromo Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/mukai.maromo

Official Mukai Maromo Facebook Group:

http://www.facebook.com/afrikanassassin

Official Mukai Maromo Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/afrikanassassin

Mukai Maromo on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Mukai-Maromo-65647

Mukai Maromo Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/65647

10 Questions With Ryan McGillivray (by Darrick Patrick)

Ryan "The Kid" McGillivray is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Heat XC, Maximum Fighting Championship, Aggression MMA, The Fight Club, and Let's Get It On MMA.  He also appeared on the thirteenth season of the television show The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Diego Bautista in the Maximum Fighting Championship at MFC 32: Bitter Rivals on January 27th, 2012.

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

Ryan: When I was sixteen years old, I broke my back.  After all of my recovery, I was too old to play my former sports at the level I needed to.  I had to find a new challenge and a way to fill my competitive drive.  I met some fighters, gave it a shot, and fell in love with the sport since day one.  From there, I just committed myself and am here until the end.

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

Ryan: Simply put, my father and grandfather.  I could not say enough to give anyone an idea of what those two men mean to me and have given me.  I would just cheapen it in trying.

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

Ryan: Surround yourself with good people at all times.  Never let your ego get in the way of learning and listening to the people around you.  Above all, put in the work and train.  Train, train, and train.  If it is your destiny, it will pay off.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Diego Bautista on January 27th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Ryan: I am very excited, confident, and just ready to go!  He is a tough opponent, but he is not my first tough opponent either.  I will be ready for a war.  If he is too, it should be an amazing fight.  One to watch, for sure.  I can promise I'll hold up my end.

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

Ryan: There are a few things that drive me the most and provide with me fulfillment within martial arts.  First was my drive to compete and always try to be "my" best.  Second is the challenges that come day to day and the feeling of accomplishment from putting in work.  Lastly, knowing I am doing more than most (physically) to provide for my daughter Peighton.

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

Ryan: Jason MacDonald because he is so professional.  He was a huge part in my growing up and maturing.  He has been a role model of mine since day one in MMA.

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

Ryan: I like playing any sport out there.  I also enjoy a good movie, as well as spending time with my friends and family.

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

Ryan: Every day that my daughter does anything, I couldn't be prouder.  The most amazing moment for me was after a big win, I got to take my daughter into the ring and had her share that moment with me.

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

Ryan: I am very shy.  It is a challenge for me to be in large groups and around a lot of people.  I am an introvert, but I am working on it and have improved a lot.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Ryan: Well, considering I get hit in the head for a living, it may not be very old.  (Laughs)  I would say playing street hockey with my family on a tennis court during the holidays.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

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

Official Ryan McGillivray Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Ryan-McGillivray/529995141

Official Ryan McGillivray Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/kidmcgillivray

Ryan McGillivray on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Ryan-McGillivray-18533

Ryan McGillivray Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/18533

10 Questions With Nick Denis (by Darrick Patrick)

Nick "The Ninja of Love" Denis is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as King of the Cage, Aggression MMA, Sengoku, Wreck MMA, and APEX Championship Fighting.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Joseph Sandoval in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. Miller on January 20th, 2012.

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

Nick: I just basically wanted to do something fun while at university.  I was bored of simply going to the gym and lifting weights, so I decided to take up Jiu-Jitsu.  Once I got into it, I loved it.  I started competing and eventually began thinking about mixed martial arts.

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

Nick: Yeah, just train.  Train, train, train, train.  Don't be in a rush.  There are people that go into the gym thinking, "Oh, I'll just train for a few months and then I'll be fighting.  No problem."  Those are the people that end up quitting real soon because reality sets in that this sport is tough.  Be quiet, don't talk trash in the gym, and just train.  Be patient.

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

Nick: I respect Georges St-Pierre (GSP) because he is the best.  I really respect his work ethic, as well as his ability to take his desire/dream and make his whole life committed to it.  I also have a lot of respect for Randy Couture.  This guy was much older than all of his competitors and was able to stay competitive until retirement.  He is also a master at creating game plans.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Joseph Sandoval on January 20th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Nick: I'm extremely excited about it.  This fight will be my UFC debut.  Joseph is 6-1, and a southpaw striker.  I think it is a great match-up for me.  I couldn't be happier.

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

Nick: The feeling I get from pushing myself.  When I'm able to continue past the point where my body and mind just want me to give up.  I always feel amazing with a sense of accomplishment after the workout is over.  Also, when I've been drilling a certain move over and over.  To finally pull it off in training, or competition, makes me feel great.

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

Nick: I suppose my brother and my dad were both a great influence to me while I was growing up.  My brother and I did Tae Kwon Do together.  He was an older brother, so he would push me to train harder.  He'd get me to go for morning runs with him, which I hated!  My dad gave me a lot of life advice and tried to make me a good person.

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

Nick: Other than mixed martial arts, I'm basically a geek.  I love spending time learning about the newest advances in technology, which is hard because the world is changing so fast.  I am always trying to stay updated on current events. I love hanging out with my dog, Ninja, surfing the net on sites like Fail Blog, and just hanging out with my girlfriend, Jen.  Oh, and eating.  I love food!

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Nick: I was two years old and my family lived in Rockland in what we call "The White House".  I  remember getting out of bed one night and standing at the top of the stairs because I heard my brother and dad come home.  My dad had bought a Batman figurine for my brother and I was upset.  I wanted the Batman toy.

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

Nick: I have a master's degree in biochemistry.  I quit my Ph.D. with one year left to pursue MMA full-time.  I had one of Canada's best scholarships at the time and I am a published scientist.  I spend a lot of my time thinking about religion.

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

Nick: Hmmm...the ability to fly would be a good one.  If I could have all the knowledge of the universe though, that would probably be pretty great too.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Nick Denis in the following places:

Official Nick Denis Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=121504600

Official Nick Denis Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/theninjaoflove

Nick Denis on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Nick-Denis-19128

Nick Denis Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/19128

10 Questions With Chuck Dixon (by Darrick Patrick)

Chuck Dixon is a professional writer who has primarily worked within the comic book industry.  He has written for titles such as Batman, Punisher War Journal, Detective Comics, G.I. Joe, The Simpsons, Marc Spector: Moon Knight, Robin, The 'Nam, Snake Eyes, Birds of Prey, Savage Sword of Conan, El Cazador, Alien Legion, Catwoman, Winterworld, Green Arrow, Team 7, Nightwing, and a plethora of numerous other projects.

Darrick: What was the journey that led you to writing professionally as a career?

Chuck: I really don’t have a talent for anything else.  My main talent is strictly focused on writing stories told in a series of static pictures.  There wasn’t a time I didn’t want to work in comics.  Seriously.  When I was six years old, I toyed with the idea of being either a milkman or a priest because the hours seemed cool.  The milkman was done by ten in the morning and priests only work an hour a week, right?

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

Chuck: Obviously, my parents played a big part.  My dad especially was a real role model for me.  He was tough, but empathetic, and loved a good story.  Teachers, not so much.  I found most teachers were only a day ahead of me on any subject they were teaching.  My uncle Bob influenced my sense of humor.  He’s a true character who always seems to have a ready answer and can tell a great story himself.

Darrick: Do you have any words of advice for other individuals looking to make a career through their abilities in writing?

Chuck: Persistance.  It’s a tough world out there for writers.  You also need to be agile.  A writer has to be able to seize on any opportunity in any genre and in any medium that comes up.

Darrick: How do you spend your time on a typical work day?

Chuck: I appear to be goofing off a lot.  That’s the reason I always turn down requests from local schools that ask if students could spend a day with me watching me work.  Somehow though, at the end of the day, pages have been completed and deadlines met.  The toughest thing for me is being able to walk away.  I’d write all day and all night if there weren’t meals to eat and chores to do.

Darrick: Your resume of work is highly extensive.  For new readers who may not be familiar with your writing, what are a few projects of yours that you would recommend to begin with?

Chuck: Well, there’s eleven years of Batman-related work.  Anyone can jump in there anywhere.  I also did extensive runs on the various Punisher titles at Marvel.  A career highlight would be Winterworld by me and Jorge Zaffino.  It’s been recently collected by IDW.  I also have two current monthlies featuring G.I. Joe and Snake Eyes.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the comics industry that you hold a high deal of respect for?

Chuck: Lots of the artists I work with.  I’m in awe of so many of them and have no idea how they do what they do.  I can picture the work in my head but they make it happen.  Guys like Graham Nolan or Butch Guice, who can work magic on the page.  Lots of others as well that would be too numerous to name.

I got to work with Stan Lee recently.  I wish I had his energy now.  He still has it, the passion and the craft.  People say to me, “Stan’s showing his age though.  He doesn’t remember people’s names anymore.”  Stan never remembered people’s names.  Why do you think he came up with “true believer” and “effendi”?

Darrick: Outside of constructing stories, what are your other interests?

Chuck: Since my profession is a geek fantasy come to life, my hobby needed to be even geekier.  My second love in life is toy soldiers.  I collect, paint, and customize them.  The more obscure the period, the more I want to learn about it.  People who visit my Facebook page know my secret obsession.  I also go range shooting whenever I can.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Chuck: Being bathed in the kitchen sink...way back.

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

Chuck: I wrote my sixth grade play.

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

Chuck: There would be lots of places.  I’d love to visit America in the 1940s.  Also, ancient Rome.  I’d only go though if I was accompanied by an experienced dentist.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Chuck Dixon in the following places:

Official Chuck Dixon Website:

http://www.dixonverse.net

Official Chuck Dixon Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Chuck-Dixon/762154843

10 Questions With Cody Gibson (by Darrick Patrick)

Cody "The Renegade" Gibson is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Tachi Palace Fights, Gladiator Challenge, and The Warriors Cage.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is a bantamweight championship bout against Ulysses Gomez in Tachi Palace Fights at TPF 11: Redemption on December 2nd, 2011.

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

Cody: I grew up playing traditional American sports as a kid, but was always wrestling and fighting with my brothers.  I was pretty short as a freshman in high school and didn’t end up making the freshman basketball team.  I was crushed.  My older brother Keith, who was already a wrestler, and my Dad, who liked wrestling, encouraged me to give it a try.  From the moment I stepped on the mat I loved it.

I lost my first twenty matches.  I remember after a tournament I had two black eyes and a busted lip.  Walking to the car, my mom asked me if I wanted to try a different sport.  I said, "No way."  From there, I started to grow and ended up being a pretty good wrestler.  I placed in the top twelve at state in California my senior year and got recruited to go wrestle in junior college.  While in junior college and at the four-year school I went to, I ended up being a two-time All-American before graduating in 2010.  I was already taking fights in the summertime during college.  As soon as I got out of school, I started to really train MMA.

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

Cody: My parents have been a huge influence on my life.  They adopted my older brother Keith and I from foster care in Oklahoma, and we were raised around a lot of love.  My two younger brothers, Josh and Jacob, both have special needs.  Despite all of the hardships my family has faced over the years, my parents have always been loving and caring.  I am the man I am today as a direct result of how I was brought up.  I am very blessed.

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

Cody: For young kids, I’d say to start with a base.  Join your local wrestling club, BJJ, or striking school.  As you progress, don’t neglect the different aspects that make mixed martial arts what it is.  You have to be well-rounded to survive in this sport today.  Work on your weaknesses and train hard.  Everyone has a certain level of athletic ability.  You can improve on your skills and become a better fighter, but there really is no substitute for training harder than everyone else.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Ulysses Gomez on December 2nd.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Cody: I have a lot of respect for Ulysses as a fighter.  His ground game is very good and he’s progressed as a fighter over the last few years.  I can’t control his abilities.  All I can control are my own abilities and how hard I train.  Legendary boxing trainer Cus D’amato once said, “When two men fight, it’s a test of will not a test of skill.  The man with the most will will win the fight, provided that the other man’s skill is not so great that his will is not tested.”  I love this quote and have modeled my entire training camp around it.

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

Cody: I find fulfillment in testing myself and my abilities.  I love to push myself further than I think I can go in training.  The personal journey of a fighter is a tale not told enough.

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

Cody: My head coach and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach’s name is Tom Knox.  Tom is a black belt under Cleber Luciano.  Tom is one of those guys that you don’t meet every day.  He’s a legendary pro skateboarder and really technical on the mat.  He’s helped me grow so much in this sport already.  I have a lot of respect for Tom.  I am so thankful for all of the support he gives to me and everyone else who trains at our school.

As far as other fighters go, I’m a huge Chris Lytle fan.  That guy goes into every fight like it’s his last and I love to watch him compete.

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

Cody: I enjoy spending time with my fiancée Jackie and our dog Franklin.  I also coach a high school wrestling team and love seeing the growth and development in the kids.  Outside of athletics, family, and good friends, I enjoy reading interesting novels and writing short stories.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Cody: I'm not sure if it’s my oldest memory, but I do remember my little brother Joshua, and then Jacob, both coming home from the hospital and being so excited to hold them.  It was the start of our family and I liked being a big brother.

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

Cody: I don’t think a lot of people know that I keep statistics on everything.  I’m sure somewhere out there it’s been diagnosed and there is a name for it, but I can’t help keeping organized statistics on just about everything I do.  My fiancée makes fun of me sometimes for it and it’s pretty funny.  Whether it’s seasons of Madden on the PlayStation or progression in my high school wrestling team, I chart everything.

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

Cody: I want to be remembered as a person who brought positive change into this world.  We live on a chaotic planet with enough negative things around us to swallow us whole.  I hope that someday, when it’s my time to go, that I’ve made some positive influences on people's lives. Whether it be through teaching, coaching, writing, or even fighting mixed martial arts, I hope that this world and the people I encountered while I was here are better off in some way from crossing paths with me.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

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

Official Cody Gibson Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/codymichaelgibson

Official Cody Gibson Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/TheRenegade559

Cody Gibson on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Cody-Gibson-38903

Cody Gibson Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/38903

Pro MMA Fighters discuss Comic Book Characters (by Darrick Patrick)

When most people think of individuals who are familiar with comic book characters, they usually don't envision trained fighters who could probably dismantle the average person in battle within seconds.  However, for fans of mixed martial arts and comics both, you can see a correlation between the reality of true fighting and the fantasy of a costumed fighter.

If our reality mimicked that of a comic book universe, without superpowers, it'd be a safe bet that some of the heroes and villains with decent careers would come from the world of professional mixed martial arts.  Of course, lots of military, law enforcement, and others highly trained in combat could prosper as these types of individuals too.  Basically anyone with the skills and knowledge to overpower the majority of people would have a chance to succeed as a real-life version of the archetypal comic book character.

I talked to thirty professional mixed martial artists who have appeared in various organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Strikeforce, Bellator, King of the Cage, Maximum Fighting Championship, Cage Warriors, and many more.  This is their take on fantasy characters that they can possibly find themselves identifying with.

What comic book character do you relate to most?

Art Santore: I am most like Venom, who fights for good, but has a touch of that menace still in him.

Dave Yost: Definitely Wolverine.  He's the coolest under pressure and has very little regard for authority.  I can relate.

Elvis Sinosic: 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.

Jesse Bowen: I think I relate most to my favorite ninja turtle, Michelangelo.  He always runs his mouth and talks a lot, but when it's time to back it up he can.  If you ask anyone who knows me, I'm very similar.

Dhiego Lima: 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.

Louis Taylor: Peter Parker because Mary Jane is always getting him into trouble.

Jared Downing: One has to admire how Doomsday rolls.  If we were genetically engineered to be murdered repeatedly, in an attempt to become immune to death and destruction just so that we could kill Superman, then we would phone it in for the rest of our days too.

Howard Longus: Probably Wolverine or the Punisher because certain events in my past helped shape the way I approach things now.

Chris Manuel: I would say Nightcrawler from the X-Men.  I probably look like him to tell you the truth.  (Laughs)  Teleporting would be a cool power to have.  I sometimes like to teleport from one position to another whenever I fight.

Ronda Rousey: Vegeta from Dragonball Z.  He's got a lot of pride, and is not the most popular guy.  When it comes down to it though, he does whatever he can to get it done.

Dave Kaplan: I like Thor because he has an awesome hammer.

Nathan Murdock: I don't know a whole lot about comics but if there was a hero that just loved having a good time and didn't like taking small matters too seriously, that would be me.  I love to work hard, don't get me wrong, but most superheros are just too serious.  It's probably an extremely stressful job though, so I understand.

Jason Drake: Probably the Punisher because he's a normal guy that's been through some serious shit and came out on top.  Also, he is doing something to better mankind.

Dave Jansen: Wow, this is a toughie.  I guess Fone Bone from Jeff Smith's epic Bone series.  He doesn't have any superpowers and neither do I.  He's on an epic quest and so am I.  Every now and then, I have a run-in with a Rat Thing that I need to put in it's place.  Part of me wants to say Wolverine for this question, but my cuts take weeks to heal.

Ben Henderson: Captain America.

Sheldon Westcott: Garfield, for sure.  I just like to sit and eat.  I can be happy on a couch with some pasta and a TV.

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

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

Evan DeLong: I like Wolverine's story.  He is able to rise above his situation.  He is also an aggressive person, which of course I can appreciate.

Darrell Montague: I'd say Cyclops from the X-Men because he is a strong, silent leader and he also has trouble with the ladies.  (Laughs)

Mike Ciesnolevicz: I always liked Juggernaut the best.  Honestly though, I'm not a huge comic fan.  So, I'm not one hundred percent sure who I relate to the most.

Chad George: I'd have to say Homer Simpson.  I know he's not exactly a comic book character but c'mon, I think he counts.  Homer is my mirror image.  He is horrible at most things in life but somehow always manages to end up on top.  We both can agree on many topics of the world.  He's very true on what he stands for, even if it makes absolutely no sense.  If I say a word that's not a real word, I'm pretty sure he would understand it.  I mean if I said it, then it must be a word, right?

Erik Koch: Well, I don't really relate to any of them, but my favorite is Magneto.  He is a beast!

Keith Wisniewski: Groo The Wanderer.  His series is actually the only comic book I've ever read.

William Romero: The Incredible Hulk.  The reason being is that if I snap, you're all fucked!  (Laughs)

Eddie Wineland: I'm not big into comics, but my favorites were always Wolverine and Deadpool.

Roxanne Modafferi: 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 a lot.  Also, like Gohan who can work hard, see the fruits of his efforts, kick butt, and get recognition and fame.

Ted Worthington: The Silver Surfer is like me in a way.  He wants to be left alone and is a very powerful person who is not to be messed with.

Lucas Gamaza: 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.

Tristan Yunker: Well, I don't know if there is such a character as "AWESOME-Man", but I'm pretty sure that if there were, his stories would be based on me.

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10 Questions With Phillipe Nover (by Darrick Patrick)

Phillipe "The Filipino Assassin" Nover is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Ring of Combat, Hoosier Fight Club, and Combat Zone.  He also appeared on the eighth season of the television show The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Marcin Held in Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 59 on November 26th, 2011.

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

Phillipe: I've always been competitive.  My parents had me enrolled in martial arts classes ever since I was a child.  I enjoyed it so much and started to challenge myself in tournaments.  Then, one of my training partners had his first MMA bout.  I thought, "If he can do that, so can I."  From that point forward, I was hooked.

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

Phillipe: My main words of advice is to wrestle.  Start off with wrestling and then learn the other ranges of a fight.  Wrestling is so very important.

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

Phillipe: I respect a lot of people in the sport.  My training partners that sacrifice their time and bodies for each other.  My coaches, who I pretty much have to trust with my life.  I also respect guys who made it to the top through hard work.  Just regular guys like myself who inched their way to becoming great through sacrifice and discipline.  Just like the champ, Frankie Edgar.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Marcin Held on November 26th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Phillipe: Held is a tough kid.  He's young, but he sure is good at what he does.  He's good at snapping people's knees and ankles.  With an impressive 11-2 record, I'm not taking him lightly.  I'm training harder and, even more so, training smarter.  This is a great test for me, especially since it will be my first MMA fight televised since I left the UFC.

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

Phillipe: I love training and I love fighting.  When I train each day and learn new moves while trying new things, my mind is so focused and I'm truly having fun.  I forget about everything in life.  I enter into a new world when I train.  Even more so when I fight.  It is the ultimate fulfillment.  The rush and the energy measures beyond anything the average person can fathom.

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

Phillipe: I looked up to my parents while growing up.  My mother and father are very hardworking, even to this day.  They instilled in me at a young age the value of money, hard work, and how having a good education will pay off.

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

Phillipe: I'm also a nurse, as everyone already knows.  I enjoy it too though.  I work in Cardiac Cath, basically assisting doctors in saving people's lives during a heart attack or helping to prevent a heart attack.  I love what I do.  I'm also into poker, paintballing, StarCraft, movies, food, and cooking.

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?

Phillipe: Number one would be Arianny Celeste.  Number two is Olivia Munn.  Number three will be...oh, no, wait.  You mean items, not people?  Hmmm, okay then.  The first thing I would take in with me is a computer with really good internet access so I can check my Facebook and tweet all day about how cool my bomb shelter is.  I would also bring a treadmill so that I can work out and make sure my cardio is up to par.  In case there happened to be a zombie apocalypse to go along with the end of the world, I would need to have good lung power to run away from them.  Lastly, I would take a 2012 Star VMAX motorcycle in with me.  Gosh, I always wanted one of these.  It's so badass!  I would turn it on and ride it around my bomb shelter in circles all day long.

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

Phillipe: I've told you everything!  Actually, one thing people might not know about me is that I'm afraid of scary movies.  I'm such a wuss when is comes to scary flicks.  I sometimes even get nightmares!  Tough cage fighter on the outside, but on the inside I'm a sensitive little boy who can't even watch The Sixth Sense alone.  (Laughs)

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Phillipe: I can't exactly remember my oldest memory.  It's probably playing Legos with my brother in my old house.  Anything beyond that is a blur.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Phillipe Nover in the following places:

Official Phillipe Nover Website:

http://www.phillipenover.com

Official Phillipe Nover MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/phillipenover

Official Phillipe Nover Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Phillipe-Nover/594691698

Official Phillipe Nover Facebook Group:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Phillipe-Nover/101634810073

Official Phillipe Nover Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/PhillipeNover

Phillipe Nover on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Phillipe-Nover-7415

Phillipe Nover Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/7415