10 Questions With Angelo Sanchez (4/25/2010)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Angelo Sanchez (by Darrick Patrick)

Angelo Sanchez is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Gladiator Challenge, Desert Extreme, Fightworld, Sky UTE Fighting, and King Of The Cage events Native Warriors, Goodfellas, Retribution 2, New Breed, Badlands, and Hierarchy. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Donald Sanchez in King Of The Cage at KOTC: Honor on May 14th, 2010.

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

Angelo: I have always been interested in martial arts, ever since I was a kid I loved action and Bruce Lee movies. Then in high school I wrestled for two years. When I went to college I looked for something to fill that empty void, so I started boxing and kickboxing. I have always loved fighting, the UFC, and mixed martial arts in general. It was something I always wanted to do. I started doing Jiu-Jitsu a few years later to complete my game and during that process a chance came up for me to have my first professional MMA fight. I have not looked back ever since.

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

Angelo: For me it has been my family, I did not grow up in just one home. I had a home base though with my grandparents. My grandparents played a big roll in my life.

Darrick: In your experience so far, what brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Angelo: I would have to say the most fulfillment I get out of martial arts is the training. Not only the training of the body, but also the training of the mind. I am most at peace after a long day of hard training, covered in blood, soaked in sweat, and sitting on the mats catching my breath. It is a feeling like nothing else. Knowing that I faced my limits and overcame them is a great feeling.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Donald Sanchez on May 14th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Angelo: My thoughts on the fight coming up against Donald are, "Here we go again!" Donald and I have fought once before and it was a close fight that I won. For that I know for sure, no matter what anyone says or thinks. The only way I am going to be able to sit everyone down and open their eyes is if I go in there and take Donald out - leaving no room for ifs, ands, or buts. In other words, all I am thinking about is finishing the fight from the second we touch gloves in the center of the cage.

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

Angelo: If you are interested in mixed martial arts, take your time and don't get ahead of yourself. It takes years to build a foundation and then a lifetime to gather all of the skills needed to be a great fighter. I tell people to decide whether you want to be a striker or a ground fighter and learn all the basics that they can in that area. Then after they have a good idea of that part of the game, start to add on new skills as you progress as a fighter.

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

Angelo: For one I would say Urijah Faber because he is a pioneer for us little guys and he is a respectable great guy who loves what he does. Also, a fighter from New Mexico named Abel Cullum. He is the type of fighter and person a lot of us fighters set out to be, but for some reason or another never make it to that level. As for the mainstream, I would have to say Anderson Silva because he is a prime example of what a fighter strives to be. A feared and talented fighter that no matter who he steps into the cage with he destroys.

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

Angelo: Hunting, camping, working on my yard, and spending as much time as I can with my wife and daughter. I also like to read and help out doing little jobs for my family. Nothing too interesting to most people but to me it's everything I ever wanted in my life.

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

Angelo: Everyone who finds this out about me always gets a kick out of this one. Since my wife works full-time and I fight and train full-time, I have more time to work with so I am the house husband. I cook, clean, and help take care of my daughter. In other words, I am pretty much a stay-at-home dad. Nothing like being a MMA world champ hanging out at home doing the dishes.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Angelo: The oldest memory that I can recall right now I would have to say is from when I was about five or six years old. My father and I were up in the mountains hunting, just driving around listing to CCR, and enjoying the freedom of the outdoors.

Darrick: If you were stuck in a bomb shelter for the rest of your life, what three items would you take in with you besides food and water?

Angelo: I would take a packet of pencils and a lot of paper. Anything to keep the lonely mind busy. I would also take in a Bible. I am not super religious, but I do believe in a higher power - and what better way to discover that higher power than to have a lifelong chance to study the word of God.

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 Angelo Sanchez in the following places:

Official Angelo Sanchez MySpace Site:

http://www.myspace.com/402181739

Official Angelo Sanchez Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1552133684

Angelo Sanchez on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Angelo-Sanchez-22878