10 Questions With Nick Gonzalez (3/21/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Nick Gonzalez (by Darrick Patrick)

Nick "The Ghost" Gonzalez is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as EliteXC, King Of Kombat, Xtreme Fighting Championships, Strikeforce, Renegades Extreme Fighting, Talon Challenge, World Extreme Fighting, and Freestyle Fighting Championships. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Yahir Reyes at Bellator Fighting Championships 1 on April 3rd, 2009.

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

Nick: Growing up a little rough, fighting came out of habit and it was something I was actually good at. I also liked the attention I received from it. I got into wrestling in high school, saw the first UFC, and I was hooked. I had gotten into some trouble and didn't graduate - and actually did seven months in jail, but got my GED and went to trade school. After about a year of working as an electrician, I was looking to do something to get back into shape. So, I found a kickboxing gym that had BJJ and also found my calling.

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

Nick: There's a couple people really. My father, my mother, and a few peer leaders in groups that I was in. My mom though is definitely at the top of the list.

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

Nick: For anyone looking to get into MMA, take your time and take pride in what you are doing. No need to rush to get in the cage. There's a lot of pretenders out there, be a contender. Listen to your trainers and put everything you can into being the best that you can be.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Yahir Reyes on April 3rd. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Nick: Yahir is tough and experienced. I'm expecting a tough fight, but I'm training with a great team and trainer in Guy Mezger, so I'm ready for a war. I know where I want to be and what I need to do to win, so I will have to impose my will early. Yahir is a gamer and I respect him, but I'm somewhere else mentally right now and that will pull me out on top.

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

Nick: For me personally, it's the competition. I also feel complete as a person with martial arts in my life.

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

Nick: GSP and Anderson Silva are talented fighters, but also apply a hard work ethic which I can relate to. I'm a blue-collar worker and know a thing or two about working hard. Also, Tito Ortiz not so much as a fighter, but for being a successful entrepreneur with his clothing company which is something he can fall back on after his fighting career. Plus NCFC Fight Management of course, they are helping me out within MMA on a personal tip.

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

Nick: I'm a music junkie, I love listening to it and going to see live shows. I also enjoy just going out and having a good time at bars, clubs, cabarets, etc. (Laughs) I also dabble in different business ventures that I'm going to partake in one day.

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

Nick: I was a fat kid and a mean fat kid too. All of the other kids picked on me, so I'd lift them up and slam them or knock the shit out of 'em.

Darrick: If you were the last person alive on Earth, what do you think you'd do to entertain yourself?

Nick: I'd listen to music, work out, and sleep.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Nick: Play-wrestling on the couch with the Grimus doll that I got for my fourth birthday. Then, falling and getting a big ass knot that I still have.

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 Nick Gonzalez in the following places:

Official Nick Gonzalez Website:

http://www.nicktheghost.com

Official Nick Gonzalez MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/nicktheghost

Nick Gonzalez on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Nick-Gonzalez-6726

Nick Gonzalez Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/6726