10 Questions With Chris Culley (6/27/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Chris Culley (by Darrick Patrick)

Chris "Urban Legend" Culley is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in the Total Fighting Alliance organization and at King Of The Cage events such as River Rage, Bio Hazard, Epicenter, and Final Chapter. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Vince Ortiz in the Long Beach Fight Night organization at LBFN 5 on July 19th, 2009.

Darrick: What was the path that led you to competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Chris: I've always been in love with martial arts. As I kid, I would watch Kung Fu Theatre and Bruce Lee movies all day long. My mom put me in Karate when I was around eleven years old and I became very passionate about it. Then when I was thirteen years old, I started doing Muay Thai under Julian Lugo and Craig Buchanan. After I swept through the amateur ranks, I decided to give mixed martial arts a shot and once again I fell in love.

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

Chris: Yves Edwards is the first person that comes to mind. He's the man! (Laughs) I remember watching him kill this guy at UFC 45 with kicks, knees, and combinations. He was just so versatile and explosive - and above all, he was humble. He is still my favorite fighter to this day and he has never had a boring fight. I also have a high regard for Duane Ludwig. He's just so crisp and precise with his attacks. I wish I was that talented.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Vince Ortiz on July 19th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Chris: Ortiz is a very tough fighter. He has great wrestling, control, and he grinds his opponents into submission. I question his striking ability though. I know I'm faster and I feel that I've fought tougher competition. I think my style of fighting presents a lot of problems for him.

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

Chris: The fight is in the training. Train hard and smart. Eat right, live right, and it will pay off in the fight.

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

Chris: My instructors - Henry Gutierrez, Robert Menendez, Julian Lugo, and Craig Buchanan. These guys pushed me and kept me on the straight and narrow in all aspects of life, not only in training. My mom has always supported me whether I win or lose, and my biggest fan is my little brother who swears that I'm superhuman.

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

Chris: Competing...especially at this level. If it's a win or a loss, just the fact that I manned up and trained, sacrificed, and sharpened my skills to put up with a fellow warrior is fulfillment enough for me. Of course I want to get the win, but I love the battle. There's a purity in fighting that you won't get anywhere else. Nothing else matters during that fifteen minutes. It's a rush, man - I can't explain it.

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

Chris: Muay Thai! I love kickboxing and one day I want to compete in K-1 World MAX and represent the United States. We have no representatives in K-1 and it's a shame because there are a lot of talented kickboxers in the US. Also, I like adding to my comic book collection. I'm a big comic book nerd and I'm always head first into anything X-Men or Marvel.

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

Chris: Ummm...my nationality. (Laughs) People always just assume I'm African-American. My parents are actually South American and my dad is from Guyana. So, ladies - I'm exotic.

Darrick: If you had 24 hours left to live, how would you spend that time?

Chris: I would spend that day with the people who matter the most to me. My mom, brothers, and family in general. We'd more than likely recant about stories from growing up and I'd spend my last few hours talking to my little brother, giving him some words of wisdom before I pass on.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Chris: That would probably be my sixth birthday party. I remember it because I had so many relatives there and so many gifts. (Laughs) I was a spoiled child.

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 Chris Culley in the following places:

Official Chris Culley MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/ulgulley86

Chris Culley on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Chris-Culley-22803