10 Questions With Sheldon Westcott (2/16/2011)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Sheldon Westcott (by Darrick Patrick)

Sheldon Westcott is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as King of the Cage, Maximum Fighting Championship, Heat XC, Aggression MMA, and The Fight Club. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Thomas Denny in the Maximum Fighting Championship at MFC 28: Supremacy on February 25th, 2011.

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

Sheldon: I competed nationally in track and field forever. I took a year off and in that year I started working at a fitness gym. One of the personal trainers and I talked about MMA all the time because I always watched it. He told me to come train until I finally did and instantly I was hooked. I still had the competitive nature and it was just a matter of time before I started competing.

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

Sheldon: My mom and sister, for sure. We are very close, but not in the conventional way. We do have each other's backs though and always have. I know no matter what, I have their support in anything I do. My uncles as well, they showed me that hard work really pays off. They are extremely hardworking men and they showed me that work ethic from a young age. I just needed to find what I wanted to work hard at and now I have found it. Also, Rob Strecker. He was my old track coach and just pointed me in the right direction at the right times in my life.

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

Sheldon: I don't consider myself a martial artist. I know I do martial arts, but I just consider myself an athlete. Honestly the competition is my favorite part, in practice or in a fight.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Thomas Denny on February 25th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Sheldon: I honestly can't wait. I have wanted to fight him for a long time. Not due to any bad blood or anything like that, it's actually the exact opposite. I respect Thomas Denny and I enjoy his fighting style. You don't have to dislike someone to want to fight them. I wanted a challenge and this is a good one that I am definitely up to. It will be an amazing show that all the fans of the MFC will remember. That's what Thomas Denny and I bring to the table. I have never been so ready. It will be electric in the River Cree Resort and Casino.

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

Sheldon: This is a very hard subject with MMA because you really do have to respect anyone who will step up and fight. I would have to say there are people though who I have met along the way in this sport who I truly respect. Most of them you might not have heard of, like Craig and Curt Malin. They have helped me out whenever I needed someone with their knowledge of MMA and their willingness to just get to work and train. Mike Yackulic was my first coach and has showed me an open door whenever I needed it. That has helped me get to where I am, as well as all the guys at his gym. Every time we train, it's like we have not missed a beat. I also respect all the guys at the Hayabusa Training Centre who fight and train. They are the people who I truly respect in this sport because they give their time to help me achieve my goals.

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

Sheldon: Anyone who tells you that you can't do it is only saying that because they can't do it. Put your head down, open your ears, and work hard. You can do anything.

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

Sheldon: Well, as I stated earlier, I have always enjoyed track and field. I really liked competing nationally before I switched over to mixed martial arts.

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

Sheldon: Garfield, for sure. I just like to sit and eat. I can be happy on a couch with some pasta and a TV.

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

Sheldon: I don't get nervous at all for my fights. When I watch a teammate or friend fight though, I get the worst nerves. I actually hate watching.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Sheldon: Playing with my neighbor, Arron. Man, we were buddies. He actually comes to all my fights now and started to train a bit too. It's crazy how similar you can be with someone, even twenty years later.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://www.myspace.com/darrickpatrick/blog/343519835

You can also check out Sheldon Westcott in the following places:

Official Sheldon Westcott Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Sheldon-Westcott/508581355

Official Sheldon Westcott Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/sheldonwestcott

Sheldon Westcott on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Sheldon-Westcott-23648