10 Questions With Jared Downing (10/8/2010)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Jared Downing (by Darrick Patrick)

Jared "Demon Eyes" Downing is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Bellator Fighting Championships, Max Fights DM, Pinnacle Combat, and Glory Fighting Championships. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Danny Tims in Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 32 on October 14th, 2010.

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

Jared: I met my head coach Keoni Koch when I was seventeen years old and just started playing around with MMA. I had a few amateur fights and then I fell in love with the sport. I started taking it seriously during the spring of 2009. My head coaches told me to go pro that fall in November.

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

Jared: Yeah, this sport is only for fighters. If you want to be a local fighter, that's one thing. Otherwise, make sure that you put your time in and never take any breaks over a week or two. Also, when you're in the cage and once that ref says, "Go!" - try to kill the person across from you until the referee says stop. Oh, and don't ever sign a contract against me.

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

Jared: Wanderlei Silva is someone that I will always respect. Win or lose, he's fun to watch and never backs away. He is a fighter that will never be forgotten. Other than him, I really only respect my teammates. Everyone else doesn't exist to me until they raise my hand.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Danny Tims on October 14th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Jared: I haven't really thought about it much. He's just another guy who won't be recognized after this fight. I don't train any certain way for any particular fighter. I train to fight, that's it.

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

Jared: Nothing feels better then seeing your team and yourself stand in a cage with their hand in the air.

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

Jared: I see a lot of change in the next ten years. One thing for sure, every top fighter will be well-rounded. There won't be any boxers, wrestlers, grapplers, or any other types of specific fighters. Freestyle is the only way to be the best. Take a look at the champs of the UFC and WEC for example. They are all good wherever the fight goes. I hope to see shows like Bellator putting on events every week and having the ability to take better care of their fighters than even the other top organizations.

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

Jared: My mom, grandma, and grandpa have always been there for me. Whenever I needed someone while growing up, they are the ones that I turned to.

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

Jared: Simple - ZNA.

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

Jared: I'm an expert at bodybuilding posing.

Darrick: What comic book character do you relate to most?

Jared: One has to admire how Doomsday rolls. If we were genetically engineered to be murdered repeatedly, in an attempt to become immune to death and destruction just so that we could kill Superman, then we would phone it in for the rest of our days too.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

Official Jared Downing Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Jared-DemonEyes-Downing/1183501045

Jared Downing on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Jared-Downing-52933

Jared Downing Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/52933