10 Questions With Steve Bruno (1/23/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Steve Bruno (by Darrick Patrick)

"Hollywood" Steve Bruno is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, International Fight League, Spirit MC, Euphoria, Maximum Fighting Championships, Reality Fighting, Absolute Fighting Championships, Reto Maximo, Xtreme Pankration, and Rumble In Chula Vista. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Matt Riddle at UFC Fight Night 17: Lauzon vs. Franca on February 7th, 2009.

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

Steve: I came from a traditional martial arts background in Karate. After years of competing, I wanted more contact. I wanted something closer to a street fight. I was looking for MMA before it even existed. From Karate I got into Bando, boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and then ended up in San Diego with Ken Shamrock and the Lion's Den.

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

Steve: My father was a huge influence. He was a martial arts teacher, body builder, and a sergeant in the NYPD. He was one of the last real tough guys on this Earth. From the time I was a child, he stressed the importance of being strong and tough. Growing up in Brooklyn and Staten Island in New York, those traits determined your social status.

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

Steve: The training leading up to the fight. I love the physical and mental transformation your body goes through. It's really amazing.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Matt Riddle on February 7th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Steve: I'm not going to say anything he doesn't already know. Matt is a big, strong guy. I'm more experienced and he has never been hit. I have came back and won fights where I was a bloody mess. I've been through hell in this sport. He will realize that being a UFC fighter isn't all about the camera and lights. It's about pain and being able to stick to your guns when things aren't going your way. I will test him in every aspect of the fight.

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

Steve: Kenny Florian is one name that comes to mind. He is always able to perform under any circumstances and he never lets the hype get to him. Kenny also has a way of making really good fighters look stupid.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in mixed martial arts?

Steve: If you like what you're doing, do it. Don't listen to negativity from other people. If you have a dream and a goal, stick to it. Find the right team and trainers - the rest will be easy.

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

Steve: Cooking, video games, and professional wrestling.

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

Steve: Elton John is one of my favorite musicians. I could listen to him before a fight and want to crush someone. I don't need fight music to get mentally prepared. I just need music to inspire me and that does the job. I also pick my nose a lot. (Laughs)

Darrick: If you were stranded in the middle of a jungle with only three items, what would they be?

Steve: I would take a waterproof hammock with a mosquito net, a lighter, and a machete. I have been through survival school in the military. Those would be the only items I would need to survive.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Steve: I recall cutting open the top of my left hand when I was one year old and I still have a scar today. I remember looking at it and thinking, "What is this red stuff pouring out of me?"

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Steve Bruno in the following places:

Official Steve Bruno MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/hollywoodstevebruno

Steve Bruno on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Steve-Bruno-4367

Steve Bruno Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/4367