10 Questions With Bart Palaszewski (7/12/2010)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Bart Palaszewski (by Darrick Patrick)

Bart "Bartimus" Palaszewski is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, International Fight League, King Of The Cage, Xtreme Fighting Organization, Adrenaline MMA, Gracie Fighting Challenge, International Cage Combat, Madtown Throwdown, Total Fight Challenge, Icon Sport, Combat-Do Fighting Challenge, Ironheart Crown, ZST, Extreme Challenge, Shooto Americas, Freestyle Combat Challenge, River Plex Rumble, Total Combat Challenge, and Ultimate Athlete. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Zack Micklewright in World Extreme Cagefighting at WEC 50: Cruz vs. Benavidez 2 on August 18th, 2010.

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

Bart: I started training right after I got beat up by a guy in high school. It was in first period biology class and I said something, he said something back, and then we got into it. I chose Jeff Curran's place to train at because the dude that was kicking the crap out of me was wearing one of the Team Curran shirts. True story. (Laughs)

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

Bart: That would have to be my parents, my older sister, and Jeff Curran. Jeff saw potential in me, so he was always pushing me towards training and fighting. My parents on the other hand wanted me to go to college, get an education, and hate my life...I mean, get a steady job. (Laughs) My sister is a freaking genius, so as a younger brother it was hard to follow her footsteps. Anyway, I'm glad they pushed me to go to school because the harder they pushed, the harder they pushed me away from the idea. So in a weird way, I have to thank them for that.

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

Bart: My advice would have to be to take your sweet time with training and with picking fights. When I started, I took my first fight after two years of training and at the age of eighteen. Looking back, I think it was way too soon. As far as match-ups, it's hard most of time but do some research on your opponents. That was a big problem in the early stages of my career and that's why I have more losses than I like to talk about.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Zack Micklewright on August 18th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Bart: The August 18th fight is going to be great. Zack is coming out of a great camp with Miletich Fighting Systems. MFS is one of the top camps in the world, I know because I spent a few years there. I'm training harder then ever and I'm really motivated for this one. Zack is a tall southpaw and I'm sure he's going to be ready, in shape, and prepared to brawl. So will I, it's going to be a great match. Everything is on track, so get ready for fireworks...that's original, right? (Laughs)

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

Bart: Man, there are so many guys that I respect and look up to. I'll just list a few though. I'll start with Randy Couture for showing everyone that age is not a factor. Just train hard and right and you can do whatever you want for as long as you want. Chuck Liddell is a bad ass dude, I love his attitude in fights. He just goes out with guns blazing, I'll kill you or you'll kill me. He did most of the killing. (Laughs) Jeff Curran for being a mentor and a brother to me for the last eleven years. He definitely changed my life. I was a bit of a punk and a troublemaker - he turned me around for sure. Also, I have to say Wanderlei Silva. It's great that a guy like him has made plenty of cash and doesn't need to fight, but goes out there and puts it all on the line for his fans. That's freaking awesome.

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

Bart: I just love martial arts, it changed my life for the better. I was going nowhere fast until I found MMA. I would probably be stuck behind a freaking desk, working nine-to-five and hating my life. I'm doing what I love and I get paid for it. Greatest job choice ever.

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

Bart: I don't have many interests outside of mixed martial arts, it consumes my whole life. After a fight though, I spent a ton of time with the wife and my baby girl. I see them a lot normally, but I'm at the gym for most of the day. So after a fight we make up a lot of time. I also like to travel, not far or anything crazy - just quick one or two-day getaways with the wife to concerts or fights. No bags, just the clothes on our back and off we go. We try to do it last minute for the most part, it makes it even better. Other than that, here I come with another original...I like to hang with friends and if the weather is nice, maybe grill some food and have a few beers.

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

Bart: I don't know if I should, man. This is my dark secret...ah, screw it. (Laughs) I love all vampire movies, but yes I'm a TwiHeart. I love the Twilight movies. Now, I hope I don't get jumped for this.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Bart: My oldest memory...hmmm. Well, in MMA it would have to be the day that I signed up for training on May 15th, 1999. In my life? Shit, that's going back to sometime when I was between four and six years old. It was at a preschool costume party and I was Zorro. Man, I'm just opening up here. It's like a therapy session. (Laughs)

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

Bart: I would definitely spend the time with my family, mostly with my baby girl. I would just do whatever she would want to do. She'd probably just boss me around and have about a ton of chocolate. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me, she's the love of my life. No matter what happens and how my day goes, as soon as I see her or hear her voice it puts a smile on my face.

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 Bart Palaszewski in the following places:

Official Bart Palaszewski MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/bartimus7

Official Bart Palaszewski Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Bart-Palaszewski/648589482

Official Bart Palaszewski Facebook Group:

http://www.facebook.com/bartimusmma

Bart Palaszewski on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Bart-Palaszewski-3496

Bart Palaszewski Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/3496