10 Questions With Fernando Rivera (12/16/2008)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Fernando Rivera (by Darrick Patrick)

Fernando "The Solid One" Rivera is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Ring Of Combat, Titan Fighting Championships, United States Fight League, Bushi Combat, Extreme Fighting International, and World Fighting League. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Mojo Horne at a MMA Big Show event on January 31st, 2009.

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

Fernando: I've been a martial artist my whole life, but when mixed martial arts came to be, I felt that the sport was almost made for me. Being that I grew up on some tough streets around gang violence and high crime, taking martial arts was one way out. It also made me a hell of a street fighter. After gangs, prison, an up and down life, and many years of watching the UFC - I decided maybe I should try and get into fighting. Legitimately. So, I looked on the internet for an amateur that would take me on for my first fight. A pro league was the first to call me. I won my first fight weighing in at 241 pounds and actually found out that I was fighting pro at my second fight.

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

Fernando: Dana White would be on top of my list as who I respect most in the sport. Not only has the man done what he did for the UFC, but he's got balls. He says what he feels and who cares what anybody else thinks of it. Another person is Randy Couture for obvious reasons. Dude, he's forty-five. I also think if he would have stayed close to Lesnar in their recent match, the fight would have had a different result.

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

Fernando: Martial arts is a beautiful thing. I took Tae Kwon Do for almost ten years, am now a Black belt in American Kenpo Karate, and I teach that two days a week. Martial arts brings balance to my way of life and physical equilibrium.

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

Fernando: My words to anyone looking towards MMA competition, as cliché as it may sound, is to never give up, train hard, and don't let anyone bring you down. If this is what you love and want to do - do it.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Mojo Horne on January 31st. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Fernando: First off, while growing up I've never lost a rematch - I won't make this my first. Kentucky will be surprised of the fighter that Fernando Rivera has turned into when I upset Horne. That belt is coming home with me.

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

Fernando: My dad was the biggest influence in my life. He was a very respectful, honorable, reliable, funny, and "never give up" kind of guy. I am a mirror image of my dad's qualities.

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

Fernando: I am a huge comic book fan. I may not have a collection to fill a garage, but I love to keep up with my favorite superheroes by reading up on them in magazines and I love to watch any movie that has a superhero theme to it. I actually did a Spider-Man tattoo on my left inside calf - a big one. Speaking of which, I also love tattoos. I almost made a career out of being a tattoo artist, but I like getting punched in the face better. (Smiles)

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

Fernando: To be successful in anything that I choose to do, to live a full life, and die a happy man.

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

Fernando: There really isn't much about me that people don't know. I pretty much put all of my dirt on the table. Whoever doesn't like it, too bad - I'll live. Surprisingly though, I usually don't get people who walk away from me after putting it all out. I'm not a bad person, I just made bad choices growing up. That's why I'm trying to make the right choices now. That being said, go to www.thesolidone.com for all the dirt on me you can find.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Fernando: My oldest memory...wow. It was me at four or five years old watching Bugs Bunny in the kettle about to get cooked by the witch in an old Looney Tunes cartoon (I love the Looney Tunes) and I was bawling my eyes out.

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 Fernando Rivera in the following places:

Official Fernando Rivera Website:

http://www.thesolidone.com

Official Fernando Rivera MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/connink

Hoodlum Fight Gear:

http://www.hoodlumfightgear.com

Fernando Rivera on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Fernando-Rivera-23873