10 Questions With Chris Cariaso (11/22/2010)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Chris Cariaso (by Darrick Patrick)

Chris "Kamikaze" Cariaso is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, Strikeforce, EliteXC, LTD Productions, World Combat Sports Challenge, Cage Combat Fighting Championships, Warrior Cup, and International Cage Fighting Organization. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Renan Barão in World Extreme Cagefighting at WEC 53: Henderson vs. Pettis on December 16th, 2010. This event will be the final WEC before being merged into the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

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

Chris: Since the age of five years old, I have always been involved in martial arts. I started with the traditional arts, such as Tae Kwon Do. I started learning Muay Thai when I was only eleven years old and had my first fight shortly after that. Since that time, I have thrived on competition and training. I turned pro as a Muay Thai fighter in 2004 but shortly found out that there was not many opportunities to fight. I was offered a MMA fight in 2005 and decided to give it a try. After that, I was completely hooked. I thought it was the funnest experience of my life and have been pursuing mixed martial arts since then.

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

Chris: I have to say my parents and family. Also, my ex-trainer and business partner Bunkerd Faphimai. I started training with him when I was eleven years old.

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

Chris: I love the training, the teamwork, and of course winning.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Renan Barão on December 16th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Chris: I think this is a great fight for me. I have been working hard to get to the top of my division. Renan has an incredible record and looks like a tough opponent. I feel that he is going to put me on the map. I want to let all of the fighters at 135 pounds know that I am a contender.

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

Chris: I really look up to the guys who bring the sport to the next level. I love to watch Anderson Silva, Chuck Liddell, and Georges St-Pierre (GSP). They train and fight hard but also show a lot of class.

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

Chris: Train hard and keep your ego at home. Be humble. Be an ambassador for the sport. The most important advice I have to offer though is that if it isn't fun for you, then don't do it.

Darrick: Outside of mixed martial arts, what are your other interests?

Chris: I like to mountain bike ride, snowboard, fish, and hang out with my longtime girlfriend and son.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Chris: I'm not sure, I have been punched in the head a lot. (Laughs) Just kidding. I would have to say getting my first gi on my fifth birthday. I always told my dad that I wanted to do martial arts like Bruce Lee, but before that I could never start because I was too young.

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

Chris: I don't have any tattoos.

Darrick: If you were the last person alive on Earth, what do you think you'd do to entertain yourself?

Chris: I'd probably shadow box, hit a bag, and go fishing.

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 Chris Cariaso in the following places:

Official Chris Cariaso MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/fightandfitness

Official Chris Cariaso Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/chris.cariaso

Chris Cariaso on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Chris-Cariaso-16467

Chris Cariaso Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/16467