10 Questions With Shad Lierley (3/17/2010)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Shad Lierley (by Darrick Patrick)

Shad Lierley is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Bellator Fighting Championships, Alliance Fights, Carnage At The Creek, and International Fight League events New Jersey, Everett, Moline, and Oakland. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Wilson Reis in the first round of the second season featherweight tournament of Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 14 on April 15th, 2010.

Darrick: How did you end up competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Shad: I started out as a wrestler when I was just a wee little lad. I grew up wrestling and didn't do much else. That was the way it was all the way up through college. Then after NYU, I began dabbling in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling. I started doing really well in the Grapplers Quests and NAGA tournaments, then a buddy of mine talked me into moving to Seattle to become a fighter in the now-defunct IFL. The rest is history.

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

Shad: I respect everyone that takes the time and effort to dedicate their lives to the sport and who has the courage to get into the cage. It's not easy and takes lots of sacrifices.

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

Shad: Train hard, find a good gym with a good group of training partners, and make sure you focus on all areas of MMA - especially your weaknesses.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Wilson Reis on April 15th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Shad: I think it's a good match-up for me. Wilson is a really tough guy with a great skill set and I'm excited about meeting him in the cage.

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

Shad: I train hard to win, so I would say winning brings me the most fulfillment. Losing is just heartbreaking after putting that much effort into preparing for a fight.

Darrick: Where could you possibly see the future of the sport ten years from now?

Shad: It's the fastest growing sport out there right now. I think it will still be growing in ten years, but more on a global level.

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

Shad: That's an extensive list. Traveling, rock climbing, hiking, the outdoors, kayaking, watersports, quadding and motor sports, movies, and BBQ.

Darrick: What moments in your life have you been proudest of so far?

Shad: The past is the past. Let's look to the future when I can say, "Winning the Bellator tournament."

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

Shad: I don't eat anything from the water. Zero seafood!

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Shad: I feel like I still remember my first dream. I was chasing a butterfly.

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 Shad Lierley in the following places:

Official Shad Lierley Website:

http://www.shadlierley.net

Official Shad Lierley Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/shadlierley

Shad Lierley on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Shad-Lierley-20834

Shad Lierley Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/20834