10 Questions With Andrew Calandrelli (8/5/2011)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Andrew Calandrelli (by Darrick Patrick)

Andrew Calandrelli is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Ring of Combat, East Coast Fighting Alliance, Combat Zone, and Last Man Standing. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Matt Nice in Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 48 on August 20th, 2011.

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

Andrew: I started martial arts at the age of four in Tae Kwon Do and when I saw Royce Gracie in the first UFC, I had to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. So, that's what led me here.

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

Andrew: My old martial arts teacher Larry Rogers and my youth boxing coach Brian Clark were two people that influenced me greatly growing up. Also, my mother because she had a very tough life and I watched her do nothing but positive things. She gave me as much as she can, even though we had nothing.

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

Andrew: My advice would be just to train and have fun at first. Eventually you'll get into BJJ, various grappling tournaments, and you can take it from there.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Matt Nice on August 20th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Andrew: I'm excited to fight for Bellator in my home state of Connecticut. I don't know much about Matt Nice. From what I do know though, he's a super tough guy and comes from a great camp. I respect his teacher greatly and expect nothing but the best from him.

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

Andrew: The most fulfillment I get from martial arts is teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to my five-year-old nephew, Cole. He has been training since he was two years old and he is amazing. He is my life and to teach him my skill, and him loving it the way he does, is the best thing in life for me.

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

Andrew: In mixed martial arts, I have a lot of respect for my coach - former number one ranked lightweight, Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro. Also, Jose Aldo and B.J. Penn are two others that I highly respect.

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

Andrew: Hanging with my five brothers, my closest friend Frank Mengert, and my whole crew. Also, spoiling my nephew in every way possible.

Darrick: If you had superpowers, what would they be?

Andrew: If I could pick a superpower, I'd say invisibility. This way, I could go anywhere I want.

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

Andrew: I train to slow songs.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Andrew: Being a kid, seeing my mother cry, and saying to myself that nobody will ever hurt her once I'm older. I was two years old then and now it's the truth.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Andrew Calandrelli in the following places:

Official Andrew Calandrelli Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/acalandrelli

Official Ultimate MMA Training Center Website:

http://www.ultimatemmact.com

Official Ultimate MMA Training Center Facebook Group:

http://www.facebook.com/UltimateMMACT

Andrew Calandrelli on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Andrew-Calandrelli-11348