10 Questions With Tristan Yunker (by Darrick Patrick)
Tristan Yunker is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in events such as King Of The Cage, HDNet Fights, Cage Fighting Championships, International Fighting Organization, Legends Of Fighting, Total Fight Challenge, Full Contact Fight Series, Ironheart Crown, Freestyle Combat Challenge, Diesel Fighting Championships, Extreme Combat Challenge, Cage Of Fire, Shootfighting Challenge, Xtreme Fighting Organization, and Courage Fighting Championships.
Darrick: What was the path that you took to fighting professionally in mixed martial arts?
Tristan: Basically, growing up in the Midwest, the only real choices I had for athletics were basketball, football, or wrestling. From the first time I stepped on the wrestling mat, I was hooked on the adrenaline of one-on-one combat competitions. It was only natural that after high school I would pursue an opportunity in mixed martial arts. So, I took my first fight on a week's notice and haven't looked back since.
Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?
Tristan: My high school wrestling coaches actually had a huge impact on my life at the time. One of them specifically was more like a father to me than a coach.
Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?
Tristan: Warm up, conditioning, drill, live grappling, and sparring. If I'm feeling good, I'll do some sprints at the end.
Darrick: Any advice for younger individuals looking to compete in martial arts?
Tristan: Don't let early disappointments detract you from your goals. It's a long road, especially in a sport that is still somewhat struggling to gain mainstream popularity. I know it sounds cliche, but keep your eyes on the prize.
Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of MMA?
Tristan: Getting my hand raised in victory in front of a packed house.
Darrick: Who is an individual in the sport that you highly respect?
Tristan: B.J. Penn is definitely one of my favorite competitors, the guy has the total package. It's really unfortunate that someday I might have to beat him up since I'm headed back down to 155.
That last part was a joke.
Darrick: Outside of mixed martial arts, what are your other interests?
Tristan: Stand-up comedy is something that I really enjoy, although I haven't had a lot of time to work on my act recently. Also, I'm a huge fan of technology - I've worked as a computer tech for the past three years, so I'm always in on the latest gadgets. And finally, outside of competing in MMA, I also really enjoy dealing with the business side of the sport such as promoting, managing, etc.
Darrick: What comic book character do you relate to most?
Tristan: 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!
Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.
Tristan: Umm, honestly, I'm a huge fan of American Idol.
Darrick: What is your oldest memory?
Tristan: Oddly enough, my oldest memory is actually of attending a performance of Sesame Street Live when I was about three years old living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Random, I know.
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 Tristan Yunker in the following places:
Official Tristan Yunker MySpace Profile:
http://www.myspace.com/nef_rizzle
Tristan Yunker on Fight Finder:
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=15060
Tristan Yunker Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:
http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=15060@@Tristan%20Yunker
Tags: Tristan Yunker Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts
