10 Questions With Erik Koch (3/6/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Erik Koch (by Darrick Patrick)

Erik Koch is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in the Mainstream MMA organization at events such as New Era, Vengeance, and Evolution. At the time of this interview, his next match was initially scheduled to be against Nick Agallar at Gladiators Cage Fighting: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly on March 14th, 2009.

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

Erik: I have been involved in this sport for years now. I have been in martial arts since I was four, but didn't start MMA seriously until I was fifteen years old. My brother was the one that got me started and I guess it just became an obsession for me since the very first day I began training. Ever since then, this has been the only thing that makes me happy and the only thing I want to do as a living.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight was supposed to be against Nick Agallar on March 14th. Why is the match not taking place now?

Erik: Believe it or not, Nick pulled out of the fight. I'm not sure what the reasons are, but I told Duke that I'm still interested in fighting him - so we will see what happens.

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

Erik: The best words of advice I can give people is to leave your ego at the door. A lot of guys think they can come in and throw people around, then when they don't they get discouraged. (Laughs) The best way to think when going into a new gym and training to be a fighter is to go in expecting to get your ass kicked, because getting your ass kicked is the best way to learn.

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

Erik: Number one is my brother. Without him I would be nowhere in this sport and would not be who I am today. I have respect though for anyone that gets into the cage and fights. It takes balls!

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

Erik: Well, watching my team evolve and expand brings it to me the most. We started small and just had the heart, but now we are a big competitive team. I am very proud of all of our guys and I would say that brings me the most fulfillment.

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

Erik: The biggest is my dad, I don't know of anyone that works as hard as him. He is the best person to look up to. He has helped me more than anyone and he still supports me no matter what. Without him, I would be living on the street and starving to death.

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

Erik: Food! (Laughs) Watching a lot of TV is something I do, I love the show The Office. I also like to go out partying and have a night life, but nothing too much, just a couple of days a week.

Darrick: What comic book character do you relate to most?

Erik: Well, I don't really relate to any of them, but my favorite is Magneto - he is a beast!

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

Erik: Most people don't know that I am a Halo and Call Of Duty nerd. I love those games.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Erik: One of my memories going back is from when I was five years old and I got hit by a car crossing the street with my bike. Won't ever forget that!

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 Erik Koch in the following places:

Official Erik Koch MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/erikjk

Erik Koch on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Erik-Koch-23390