10 Questions With Jesse Juarez (10/28/2010)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Jesse Juarez (by Darrick Patrick)

Jesse Juarez is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Strikeforce, Bellator Fighting Championships, Long Beach Fight Night, Maximum Fighting Championship, Invincible, Cage Fighting Championships, Total Combat, Extreme Fighters World Championships, College Cage Series, Gladiator Challenge, Extreme Full Contact, Colosseo Championship Fighting, Total Fighting Alliance, Chaos in the Cage, and Iroquois Mixed Martial Arts Championships. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Douglas Lima in the main event of the Maximum Fighting Championship at MFC 27: Breaking Point on November 12th, 2010.

Darrick: What was the path that led you to competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Jesse: I started wrestling in high school and became a 2x All-American wrestler. I realized I loved competing one-on-one. I went on to college at Montana State and won the National Championships in 2005. From there, I transitioned into mixed martial arts.

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

Jesse: Competing in mixed martial arts isn't for everyone. It is hard work and it's a lifestyle, but I would recommend for everyone to at least train in MMA. It's a great way to exercise and learn control of your body.

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

Jesse: I have a lot of respect for my coach Antonio McKee because he has finally made it to the UFC and he didn't have to play games to get there. He did it his way. I also respect my manager Steve Rusich of Triple Crown Fighter. He is one of the few that still has morals and doesn't believe in screwing someone to get ahead of the game.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Douglas Lima on November 12th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Jesse: Everyone thinks that they need to talk trash and say discouraging things about their opponents, but that's not me! Lima is a good competitor and it should be a fun, challenging fight. I'm looking for this fight to be a real test of my skills.

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

Jesse: I love winning, but I really love training. I guess the two go hand in hand. Also, knowing that I can support my family and love my job at the same time brings me satisfaction.

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

Jesse: My dad raised nine kids and showed me really how to get things done. My high school coach Donnie Garriott had a lot of influence on me as well. I was a bad kid who liked causing trouble and being on the streets. Donnie convinced me to wrestle and see that there was more to life than causing trouble.

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

Jesse: I spend a lot of time with my newborn little girl. Besides that, coaching at my old high school North Torrance.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Jesse: My oldest and most defining memory is from when I was twelve years old. My brother was in gangs and I wanted to follow that path, but he steered me away and told me he didn't want me to follow him.

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

Jesse: Well, I am a bartender and a chef. I've been dabbling in both of those activities for the past eight years.

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

Jesse: Graduating from college. From my past, I never would have thought that it was possible for a person in my position to go from almost being in a gang to getting a college degree.

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 Jesse Juarez in the following places:

Official Jesse Juarez Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/juggernaut170

Jesse Juarez on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Jesse-Juarez-22291

Jesse Juarez Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/22291