10 Questions With Chad Reiner (by Darrick Patrick)

Chad "The Grinder" Reiner is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Xtreme Fighting Organization, TKO Major League MMA, Ring Of Fire, X-1 Events, Victory Fighting Championships, All Fighting Championships, Extreme Challenge, EFX, and The Cage Inc.

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

Chad: I wrestled and got into a lot of fights in high school because I was always the runt.  After high school, I went to the Marine Corps and trained Jiu-Jitsu and boxing.  Then, one day I decided to do the sport - that puts it all together.

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

Chad: I really don’t think many people influenced me growing up.  My father taught me to work hard, the rest I learned myself.

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

Chad: Letting people see that I am humble and very appreciative of everything that I have.

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

Chad: Determination and passion will get you everything in life.  No matter how successful you are, never forget where you started.

Darrick: What does a "normal" training session for you consist of?

Chad: Lifting, conditioning, and pad work in the afternoon.  Then, I come back in the evening for BJJ, wrestling, and Muay Thai.

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

Chad: Georges St. Pierre because of his down-to-earth personality and B.J. Penn because of his talent.

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

Chad: I am a jack of all trades.  I like college football, art, poetry, a fan of all sorts of music, hanging with the family, hiking, etc. - I pretty much do anything and everything.  I am a totally open-minded person who finds interest in so many things in life.

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

Chad: I would probably hang out with my loved ones at a theme park and have a blast with them.  Then, maybe go for a long run by myself and finish my day off having some beers with my friends and family.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Chad: I remember having a broken leg that was casted up when I was about five years old.  I went to get my sick grandma a glass of milk and was spilling it everywhere because I was tripping over my own feet.

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

Chad: I went to a one room school all the way up until sixth grade.  We rang a bell everyday, raised the flag outside, and sang The Star-Spangled Banner each morning.  I walked through an alfalfa field every morning to school.  When the school closed down, there were four kids that went there.  Two of them were my brother and sister.

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 Chad Reiner in the following places:

Official Chad Reiner MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/YOUWILLKNOME

Chad Reiner on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=14016

Chad Reiner Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=14016@@Chad%20Reiner

Tags: Chad Reiner Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Tonya Evinger (by Darrick Patrick)

Tonya Evinger is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as EliteXC, Platinum Fighting Productions, Fatal Femmes Fighting, Tuff-N-Uff, Extreme Wars, Kick Enterprises, ShoXC, and the International Fighting Championship.

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

Tonya: I competed in wrestling for thirteen years.  I wrestled in junior high and high school, where I was the only girl.  I was the first three-time high school national champ in the United States.  I then made the Freestyle National Team when I was just a junior in high school - from there I wrestled overseas a lot and trained at the Olympic Training Center.

I was ranked number one in North America while in college - I got a scholarship to Missouri Valley College for wrestling.  By the time I graduated college in 2004, I was burnt out on wrestling and was starting to look at MMA.

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

Tonya: Although I hate to say it, it was mainly my dad.  He was an asshole, but I turned out pretty tough and a better person than him.  All of the credit for my athleticism would have to go to my mom though, she was by my side no matter what sport I did.  My mom is the reason that I started playing sports - my dad wouldn’t allow it.  She took me where I needed to go, when I needed to go.

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

Tonya: I would like to tell you in detail, but that would kill the secret that I have going on.  Let’s just say that I have a crazy drill that I believe has helped me throughout my career.  I will tell you though that I train twice a day - every day.

Darrick: Are there any extra hurdles being a female in mixed martial arts or do you believe it to be basically the same struggle for both genders?

Tonya: I think it’s harder to find fights and the pay isn’t the same at the level that I am at compared to a male at the same level.  I don’t care about training issues: most guys don’t want to train with a girl and that’s fine with me because I’m the one that makes me a champion, not the guy that has too much pride to train with me.  Plus, there’s plenty of other training partners.

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

Tonya: For me, it’s a sport that I can compete in and make a living doing.  I’ve always competed in physical sports and finally found one that pays.

Darrick: Any words of advice for younger individuals looking to compete in the sport?

Tonya: Only that you find someone that you look up to and respect to train with.  This sport is growing so fast and you need to have a good trainer.  Everybody thinks they’re a fighter nowadays, so make sure you’re with someone who is good for you.  You don’t need injuries early in the game, you need confidence.

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

Tonya: Nothing really.  If I’m not fighting, then I’m training my girl Malissa Sherwood or my two little brothers for fights.  I love helping out at the OTM Fight Shops ’cause they rock.

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

Tonya: Of course to win the lottery because I hate being poor, but I would sponsor hella’ athletes ’cause I know how hard it is out there.  I also want to be the top female fighter because this is my sport right now and I always wanna’ be the champion at my sport.  The third wish is for good health for my family.

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

Tonya: It would probably be that I have massive OCDs.  I am very obsessive compulsive about everything in my life.  That includes other people’s sweat and germs to counting everything.  Nobody notices, but it drives me crazy.  I drive myself crazy.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Tonya: When my family lived in Washington, my dad used to own a paint shop.  I remember being in there while he was painting a car and I had to wear one of those face masks.  I just remember thinking that my dad was hella’ cool because people needed him to do important stuff for them.  Although, now I think: "Woopty-do, he painted a car."

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 Tonya Evinger in the following places:

Official Tonya Evinger MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/tevinger

Tonya Evinger on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?fighterID=18248

Tonya Evinger Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=18248@@Tonya%20Evinger

Tags: Tonya Evinger Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Eric Slocum (by Darrick Patrick)

Eric Slocum is a professional mixed martial artist who has battled in organizations such as Total Impact and the Charity Fight Series.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Josh Riley on July 12th, 2008 at a Higher Power Promotions event.

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

Eric: I had some amateur fights and the opportunity came my way to fight pro - I of course took that chance as soon as possible.  I originally got into MMA by going to an event and saying "that’s what I want to do".

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

Eric: After stretching and doing jumping jacks to get loose, I typically start with a cardio workout which consists of rounds of jump roping, sprawls, and fast-paced medicine ball routines.  Then, I do a lot of bagwork and finish with eight 5-minute rounds of live sparring with partners, with a one minute break between each round to simulate fight rounds and breaks.

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

Eric: Right up there with football, baseball, and basketball.  I know a lot of people are thinking "no way, man" - but we have come very far very fast and I do not see us slowing down anytime soon.

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

Eric: My father mostly.  We had it rough growing up, but he always made sure that we had what we needed.  He pushed me to be a better fighter, as well as a better person.

Darrick: What would you say to younger individuals looking to train in MMA?

Eric: I am pretty young myself, but you definitely want to train hard and push yourself.  Do not let others get to you.  A lot of people may tell you negative things - prove them wrong and remember that if you beat yourself mentally, the fight is already over.  Be confident.

Darrick: In your experience so far, what brings you the most fulfillment out of the sport?

Eric: Watching it grow and growing with it.

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

Eric: I love just being myself with buddies and watching comedies.  My favorite show other than TUF is actually Aqua Teen Hunger Force.

Darrick: Would you eat another person to stay alive?

Eric: Yes - depending on if I knew them or not.  Life is beautiful, I would do a lot to stay alive.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Eric: When I was five, my football team lost a game towards the end of an undefeated season.  I cried and then didn’t talk to anyone besides my father for about five days.  I have always been very competitive.

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

Eric: My favorite music to listen to is actually Disney music and at my next fight I am coming out to Prince Ali from the Aladdin soundtrack.

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 Eric Slocum in the following places:

Official Eric Slocum MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/truemmafighter

Eric Slocum on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=17965

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10 Questions With Dan Hardy (by Darrick Patrick)

Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as King Of The Cage, Cage Warriors Fighting Championships, Greatest Common Multiple, 2 Hot 2 Handle, Fightfest, UK Storm, Absolute Fighting Championships, Fight Club UK, Full Contact Fight Night, and Extreme Brawl.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Chad Reiner on March 29th, 2008 at Cage Warriors USA.

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

Dan: I went through traditional martial arts, competing in different styles until I felt like I needed harder competition.  I had seen one of the old UFC tapes and decided to start Jiu-Jitsu.  That led me to an amateur MMA event and I’ve just gathered speed from there.  I fought a few amateur fights and then had my first pro MMA fight in June of 2004.

Darrick: Generally speaking, what does a typical training session for you consist of?

Dan: It depends - I do several different sessions.  I do technique sessions like pad work and bag work, or drilling Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling.  I do sparring sessions which will be either full MMA sparring or I will focus on a particular area, like kickboxing with takedowns or clinch and ground n’ pound with strikes.  Then, there are the conditioning sessions like sprints or circuits.  I try to keep the sessions at one and a half hours long and do two a day.

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

Dan: The obvious two are Penn and Couture, because they have done so much for the sport and have achieved so much.  I respect Anderson Silva’s composure and skill level, and Sherk’s discipline and work ethic.  There are lots of fighters that I respect for different reasons.

I also have a lot of respect for guys like the Cage Warriors promoters - guys that work so hard to promote the sport, and invest time and money into fighters that have potential.

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

Dan: Winning.  I like to see my hard work pay off.  I also enjoy seeing friends and teammates being successful too.

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

Dan: Train hard and look after your body.  Make good decesions and don’t run before you can walk - just be consistent in your training and be disciplined.

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

Dan: My parents first of all.  My mum and dad are quite different in the way that they go about things, but they are both very determined and successful.  My granddad also, he worked hard all through his life to provide for his family and always has a smile on his face.  The other person is my first coach, he trained me every week for eleven years.

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

Dan: I listen to music twenty-four hours a day.  All different types, but a lot of hardcore and metal in particular.  I enjoy going to ice hockey games - when I am in the UK, I go to as many Nottingham Panthers games as possible.  My favorite things though are spending time with my girlfriend, just being lazy and watching movies, and eating ice cream and cookies.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Dan: I remember sitting in the back of my parent’s red Ford Cortina listening to my parent’s music.  I still listen to a lot of the same bands today, my parents have a good taste in music!

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

Dan: I was a fat kid at school.  I was fat up until about the age of fourteen, and then I started watching my diet and lost it all.

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

Dan: My sister makes me proud all of the time and when my parents got back from a two week trek to Everest Base Camp, I was real proud of them too.  I think my own personal proudest moment was when I won the Cage Warriors Welterweight World Title after a five round war, and all of my friends and my sister was there to see it.

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 Dan Hardy in the following places:

Official Dan Hardy MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/danhardy82

Official Dan Hardy YouTube Site:

http://youtube.com/danhardy82

Dan Hardy on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?fighterID=10629

Dan Hardy Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=10629@@Dan%20Hardy

Tags: Dan Hardy Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Matthias Riccio (by Darrick Patrick)

Matthias "The Fire" Riccio is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Cage Rage, Ultimate Combat, Shooto, Durata Fights, Night Of The Gladiators, World Absolute Fight Federation, Cage Wars, and Golden Trophy.

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

Matthias: I started Karate at six years old and was with that until I saw UFC on TV when I was eighteen.  Then, I understood what a real fight was and that I had many things to learn!  I then started wrestling, Pancrase, kickboxing, and boxing.  Fighting has always been in my family’s blood - sportively or not.

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

Matthias: My father, and my brother Damien!

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

Matthias: All sessions are different every day since MMA is so big!  Let’s talk about a typical training day: the morning is for working stamina and/or body resistance.  I’ll rest in the afternoon and the evening is for boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, or grappling - but all of these sports are with the final aim of being effective in MMA.  A session should depend on your next opponent!

Darrick: You have a match coming up on April 19th against Alessandro De Oliveira.  Are there any special preparations being made for this fight?

Matthias: The fight got cancelled - he shitted himself when he found out that I was the opponent!  No problems, there are other opportunities coming soon.  One of my teammates will make his pro debut this day though!

Darrick: What would you say to younger individuals looking to compete in mixed martial arts?

Matthias: It’s the sport of the future - the way of respect!  MMA is a good choice, but long is the road.  Never be in a hurry.

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

Matthias: Of course Fedor Emelianenko - he’s very effective and humble.  I also always like Rickson Gracie’s personality!  My friend Francisco Nonato for his incredible natural power and his ground game.  And my crazy friend Jérôme Le Banner - he’s fought and killed monsters much bigger than him, although he’s only a kicker!

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

Matthias: Driving motorcycles for speed and sensation, as well as traveling.  I also listen to and play a lot of music - I had a punk group when I was younger.

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

Matthias: It depends on what kind of death, but I guess I would call and try to meet all of my closest friends and family members one last time to say, "Thanks for all and I’ll see you in another life..."

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

Matthias: I have never had time to seriously prepare for a pro fight!  (Laughs)  I’ve always been a last minute (a few days or few weeks) opponent.  For example: I accepted the fight against Manhoef on two day’s notice, Wild - three days, Guillet - three weeks, and the second fight with Riscado was two weeks.

That’s my personality.  Even though I wasn’t ready at all, I made some fights because my blood is like that!  I like these kind of surprises.  I know I will do it again, that’s my character - but only in good shape next time!

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Matthias: I ignited a fire in the toilets of my home when I was a kid!  I was terrified, but managed to stop it alone - then I discreetly left the toilets as if nothing had happened.  My parents smelled it and asked for an explanation that I couldn’t give!  My dad, for once, didn’t hit me.  He just took one of my fingers and burnt it for about ten seconds.  I immediately understood how "The Fire" could be dangerous!  (Laughs)

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 Matthias Riccio in the following places:

Official Matthias Riccio MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/matthiasriccio

Official Matthias Riccio YouTube Site:

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

Matthias Riccio on Fight Finder:

http://www.cdn.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=1344

Matthias Riccio Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=1344@@Matthias%20Riccio

Tags: Matthias Riccio Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Tommy Speer (by Darrick Patrick)

Tommy "The Farmboy" Speer is a professional mixed martial artist who appeared on the sixth season of the television show The Ultimate Fighter and has competed in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, World Extreme Cagefighting, Ultimate Combat Sports, Extreme Challenge, Full Throttle, and Rochester Fights.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Anthony Johnson at UFC Fight Night 13 on April 2nd, 2008.

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

Tommy: I had got done playing football and wrestling in college.  I found a local show in Rochester, Minnesota - so I went to it and wanted to try it.

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

Tommy: I train twice a day.  In the mornings, it’s technique and conditioning - and nights are for sparring.  To get a better idea, go to thehitsquad.com.

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

Tommy: Luckily, I had plenty of influential people in my life.  My parents Ron and Sirena Speer, my high school football coaches, and my high school wrestling coach.

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

Tommy: I would recommend that they take their time in the sport and get good training before fighting.  Unlike like what I did - just jumping into it and going with it.

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

Tommy: MMA gave me the opportunity to continue competing in athletics and also to fulfill my goal to becoming a professional athlete.

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

Tommy: Robbie Lawler, because he is just a damn good athlete and fighter.  Matt Hughes - he comes from the same background as me.

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

Tommy: I love all sports like football, basketball, and baseball.  I also love water sports such as knee boarding, wake boarding, and skiing.  I just love being in the water.

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

Tommy: I only wrestled one year in high school, before that I was a basketball player.  I was also a choir boy.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Tommy: Growing up with my friends in high school and hanging out all of the time at my parent’s farm.  My house was the hangout place in high school - we had parties there after football games.  My buddies and I also hit off a pitching machine all of the time during baseball season.

Darrick: How would you most like to be remembered in life?

Tommy: I would like to be remembered as a hard worker on my farm, a good person, and a great athlete.

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 Tommy Speer in the following places:

Official Tommy Speer Website:

http://tommyspeer.com/

Official Tommy Speer MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/ultimate_fighter_tommy

Tommy Speer on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?fighterID=16635

Tommy Speer Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=16635@@Tom%20Speer

Tags: Tommy Tom Speer Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Jeremy Horn (by Darrick Patrick)

Jeremy "Gumby" Horn is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in various organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, PRIDE, International Fight League, World Extreme Cagefighting, King Of The Cage, Undisputed Arena Fighting Championships, Extreme Challenge, International Fighting Championship, Sportfight, Euphoria, X Fighting Championships, Extreme Brawl, Alaska Fighting Championship, Pacific X-treme Combat, Gladiator Fighting Championships, TKO Major League MMA, International Combat Event, International Cage Combat, 2 Hot 2 Handle, Universal Above Ground Fighting, Ultimate Wrestling, Rings, Mass Destruction, Gladiators, Colosseum 2000, Submission Fighting Championships, Brawl At The Ballpark, World Extreme Fighting, Neutral Grounds, Atlanta Fights, HOOKnSHOOT, Freestyle Combat Challenge, Extreme Boxing, New Year’s Eve Knockout, Pancrase, Midwest Fighting, and Quad City Ultimate.

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

Jeremy: It was an accident - I just fell into it.  I didn’t try.

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

Jeremy: My mother.

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

Jeremy: It varies - but it’s an even mixture of cardio, grappling, and boxing.

Darrick: You’re also available for seminars - give us some information about that.

Jeremy: A typical seminar is four to six hours long and consists of everything involved in MMA.  (Note from Darrick: for scheduling seminars, call 801-908-5355)

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

Jeremy: Find a good camp that knows what they are doing and has an experienced coach.

Darrick: Is there anyone that you would like to compete against that you haven’t yet had a chance to face in a match?

Jeremy: I don’t pick my opponents - I don’t care who I fight.  I just go after who is in front of me.

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

Jeremy: Video games, guns, and dirt bikes.

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

Jeremy: With my girlfriend.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Jeremy: I have a bad memory.  I can’t remember much before breakfast.

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

Jeremy: I’m a nerd.  Actually I guess "geek" is the more appropriate term.  When I’m not fighting or training - all I do is play WOW (World Of Warcraft), watch fights, and The Simpsons.  To top that off, out of all the characters I could have picked in WOW - I picked a gnome.

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 Jeremy Horn in the following places:

Official Elite Performance Gym Website:

http://www.eliteperformancegym.com/

Official Jeremy Horn MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/277675860

Wikipedia Information on Jeremy Horn:

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

Jeremy Horn on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?fighterID=202

Jeremy Horn Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=202@@Jeremy%20Horn

Tags: Jeremy Horn Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Jamie Varner (by Darrick Patrick)

Jamie "The Worm" Varner is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, World Extreme Cagefighting, King Of The Cage, Evolution Combat Sports, Rage In The Cage, Fight Factory, and World Freestyle Fighting.  At the time of this interview, he holds the belt as the WEC Lightweight Champion after a victory which took place on February 13th, 2008 against "Razor" Rob McCullough.

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

Jamie: Well, I saw it on TV and knew that I wanted to try it someday.  My mom knew a guy that trained, so he invited me into his gym and the rest is history - but I grew up boxing and wrestling.

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

Jamie: Matt Hughes, Duane Ludwig, and Dan Severn!

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

Jamie: First, I start off every morning with strength and conditioning from 9 to 10 a.m., then go directly into wrestling or grappling from 10 to 12.  After that, I go home, eat, take a nap, and then train all of my striking from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Darrick: You recently became the WEC Lightweight Champion after defeating Rob McCullough in February, what have you been up to in the last month or so since?

Jamie: Traveling, coaching, and lots of partying!

Darrick: What would you say to younger individuals looking to make a career in MMA?

Jamie: It’s a rough road.  Better be open-minded and train hard!

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

Jamie: St. Pierre - I feel like our styles are very similar and he is very well-rounded as a fighter!

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

Jamie: What’s outside of MMA?  (Laughs)  I ride dirt bikes and street bikes are my passion - and I love teaching my MMA class at AZ Combat Sports!

Darrick: What would you like people to remember most about you when you’re no longer amongst the living?

Jamie: That I was a young champion, and that I knocked out a guy at his own and did the unthinkable!

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

Jamie: I’m very down to earth and humble.  I am putting together an auction for some of the victims that went to my high school that died in the Utah bus accident.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Jamie: Getting my first dirt bike when I was two years old and not being able to ride it without my dad running behind me holding the seat.

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 Jamie Varner in the following places:

Official Jamie Varner Website:

http://www.jamievarner.com

Official Jamie Varner MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/fightkidd

Jamie Varner on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?fighterID=7168

Jamie Varner Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=7168@@Jamie%20Varner

Tags: Jamie Varner Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Ar

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10 Questions With Brad Nordquist (by Darrick Patrick)

Brad "The Car Bomb" Nordquist is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in various organizations such as King Of The Cage, Desert Extreme, Gladiator Challenge, and Alaska Fighting Championship.

Darrick: What path led you to fighting professionally in mixed martial arts?

Brad: I got into a lot of trouble street fighting.  This is safer too.

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

Brad: Royce Gracie.  He is a BJJ animal.

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

Brad: Lots of cardio and sparring everyday.

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

Brad: Get involved with the right people.  My first trainer threw me to the dogs.

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

Brad: Knowing that I am alive.  Pain is baptism and the only way to appreciate living.

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

Brad: I respect everyone who has the guts to get into that cage knowing that the other guy could possibly fuck them up.

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

Brad: What do you mean other interests?  There’s other stuff than this?  (Laughs)

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

Brad: Unbreakable bones and skin - that would be awesome.

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

Brad: I am pretty much an open book.  So, a lot of people know a lot of things...maybe even too much.  (Laughs)

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Brad: I get hit in the head a lot, so oldest memories are sketchy and far between - it’s one drawback.  But why look in the past when the guy that is punching you in the face is right in front of you?

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 Nordquist in the following places:

Official Brad Nordquist MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/77383590

Brad Nordquist on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=21422

Tags: Brad Nordquist Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial

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