10 Questions With Charlie Rader (6/12/2010)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Charlie Rader (by Darrick Patrick)

"Superstar" Charlie Rader is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Bellator Fighting Championships, No Love Entertainment, Ultimate Kombat Challenge, Empire Fighting Championships, USA Mixed Martial Arts, Cage Kings, Fight Force International, Xtreme Fighting Championships, Renaissance MMA, Fist Factory, and Powerhouse Fighting Championships. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Robert Thompson at Rumble on the River on June 19th, 2010.

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

Charlie: Well, I wrestled ever since I was a kid and all the way through high school. I had some friends that were getting ready for a fight, so I went to help them out with their wrestling. The next thing you know I got talked into fighting and I've been hooked since then.

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

Charlie: I would say it's important to have a good work ethic, a good team, and make sure to prepare yourself to deal with ups and downs. Stay focused while working hard though and you never know where you could end up. It's a great sport with a lot of rewards.

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

Charlie: I definitely respect anyone who participates in this sport because it's not easy. It takes real heart and dedication to continue in this sport. As far as specific fighters, I highly respect Jon Fitch. He's one of my favorite fighters, I like his style and confidence in the cage.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Robert Thompson on June 19th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Charlie: Robert Thompson is a good fighter and I know he is always game to fight. As far as skill versus skill, I think I can beat him anywhere the fight goes. I've made a lot of changes to my training to get stronger and faster. I feel more well-rounded now and in the best shape of my life, so I guess we'll see June 19th.

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

Charlie: My mom was probably the person who influenced me the most. I didn't really even realize it until I got into this sport though. My mother was a single parent with no help raising my sister and I. We were not easy kids to raise either - believe me. My mom never gave up though, even when there was no hope or times seemed impossible. She always got through it and did the right thing. So I want to make it for her and show her that because of the type of person she was, it has inspired me to never give up no matter how hard or impossible things seem. If she made it through all the stuff she has been through, then I have to make it through my struggles.

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

Charlie: I love the competition and the challenge of the sport. It's always changing, so you have to adapt and evolve as a fighter or you won't make it. Learning how to always evolve and adapt is something that will never get old. It will always make you strive to work harder if you want to be successful in this sport.

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

Charlie: I'm a very simple person. (Laughs) Outside of mixed martial arts, most of my time is spent just relaxing or being lazy while spending time with my family. I love all sports and I am very competitive in all of them. I also have two little boys who I love to be with. So, I'm really just a big family-oriented person who outside of mma just likes to spend time with them.

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

Charlie: I would have to say the day that my two sons were born and the day I met my girlfriend. The girlfriend thing is a lil' corny but I finally realized how important it is to have someone in your life that makes you strive to be a better person and that is there for you.

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

Charlie: There isn't a lot that people don't know about me. I'm a pretty open person about my life.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Charlie: That's a hard one. I would probably say my earliest memory is from when I was a little kid and my mom threw me a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles birthday party. It's kind of goofy, but at the time I thought it was the coolest thing in the world.

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 Charlie Rader in the following places:

Official Charlie Rader MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/charlierader

Official Charlie Rader Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Charlie-Rader/558693569

Official Charlie Rader Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/CharlieRaderMMA

Charlie Rader on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Charlie-Rader-24678