10 Questions With Steve O'Keeffe (by Darrick Patrick)

Steve "The Spartan" O'Keeffe is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Cage Warriors Fighting Championship, Bushido Lithuania, Adrenalin FC, and Ultimate Challenge MMA.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Conor McGregor in Cage Warriors Fighting Championship at CWFC 45 on February 18th, 2012.

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

Steve: I had competed in Taekwondo from a young age.  I moved from London to Kent and there wasn't anywhere to carry on with Taekwondo.  I started to play semi-professional/professional football.  I had some big opportunities, but it never really interested me.  I started a MMA/BJJ club two years ago and haven't looked back since.

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

Steve: My advice would be that if you really think you have what it takes, then go for it.  Before anything else, you need to believe in yourself.  You don't want to be one of those people that looks back on life and says, "I could have been a champion."

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

Steve: I am a fan of the humble fighter.  There are a few people that I have a lot of respect for.  One of them is a fighter named Rad Martinez.  His story is touching and he works so hard to make it to the top.  Sometimes if I don't feel like training, I think about it and he springs to mind.  That guy has it hard and is doing so well.  If you don't know the story, check it out.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Conor McGregor on February 18th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Steve: I can't wait for this fight.  It's going to be a real good test against a great opponent.  We are both ready to go at it and show the world what we are made of.  Hopefully the guys from the UFC will be watching and taking notes for the future.

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

Steve: I love martial arts because I feel you can never stop learning.  That's why I love Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu so much.

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

Steve: My parents were a massive influence on my life.  I lived in a very bad area of London, so keeping me on the right path in life had to have been hard for them.  I have always looked up to my brother most of all and he is one of my biggest fans.

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

Steve: The only interest I really have other than MMA is my family.  I'm a simple man.  As long as I earn enough money to make my girlfriend and my baby happy, I'm happy.  Spending time with them is very important to me.

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

Steve: I would love to have the power to read people's minds.  It would make fighting in the cage a lot easier.  (Laughs)

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

Steve: I gave up a £70,000 a year job to be successful in mixed martial arts.  I had to change my lifestyle a lot, but that wasn't an issue at all.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Steve: I think my oldest memory is playing with my brother as a baby.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Steve O'Keeffe in the following places:

Official Steve O'Keeffe Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/passionevents

Official Steve O'Keeffe Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/stevethespartan

Steve O'Keeffe on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Steve-OKeefe-66373

10 Questions With Matt Gabel (by Darrick Patrick)

Matt Gabel is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Cage Warriors Fighting Championship, Extreme Challenge, Gladiators, Raise the Bar Fitness, Rochester Gladiators, and Fight Nation.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Victor Cheng in Cage Warriors Fighting Championship at Cage Warriors Fight Night 3 on February 11th, 2012.

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

Matt: I wrestled for many years.  I missed competing and having something to train for.  Mixed martial arts gave me a reason to train and compete again.

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

Matt: My dad, my brother, and my coaches.  They were always there for me and kept me motivated.

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

Matt: It's a very tough sport and it's not for everyone.  You have to commit yourself one hundred percent to mixed martial arts and make a lot of sacrifices to succeed.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Victor Cheng on February 11th.  What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Matt: I don't know anything about my opponent and I don't care to know anything about him.  I don't care what he is going to do, all I care about is what I'm going to do.  I think my strength and athleticism will be too much for him to handle.  My fighting style is different from others and it's hard for my opponents to figure it out.

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

Matt: Getting my hand raised, knowing that all of my hard work and sacrifices have paid off.  I like making my parents, brother, friends, and family proud.

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

Matt: Randy Couture and Matt Hughes.  They are legends of the sport and they are the first guys I remember watching fight on TV.

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

Matt: I enjoy being around my friends and family.  Going to the movies, baseball, rollerblading, riding my motorcycle, dirt bikes, swimming, weight lifting, going on vacations, the ocean, grilling out, sitting by the fire, and I love summer.  Basically, I just love being active and doing activities with the people that really care about me.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Matt: Horseplaying with my brother and the neighbor kids during the summer.

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

Matt: I love chick flicks.

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?

Matt: A hot girl is the first thing that came to my mind.  Three hot girls actually, but I guess they aren't items.  (Laughs)  So, I suppose I would take a TV/entertainment center, exercise equipment, and a king-sized bed.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

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

Official Matt Gabel Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matt-Gabel/1648515167

Matt Gabel on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Matt-Gabel-53274

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