10 Questions With TJ Waldburger (9/2/2011)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With TJ Waldburger (by Darrick Patrick)

TJ Waldburger is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Shark Fights, International Fighting Championship, King of Kombat, Xtreme Fighting Championships, HDNet Fights, Supreme Warrior Championship, Masters of the Cage, Dana Pitcher Productions, Ultimate Texas Showdown, and Renegades Extreme Fighting. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Daniel Roberts in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC Fight Night: Shields vs. Ellenberger (also titled UFC Fight Night 25: Battle on the Bayou) on September 17th, 2011.

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

TJ: One of my dad's co-workers trained at The Grapplers Lair. When my dad got tired of my friends and I tearing up the house from wrestling inside, he told me I was heading to this school where I can go and get my butt kicked! He finally took me, and I fell in love with the gym and it's owners. I had my first fight five months later at seventeen years old. I fought three amateur fights and while training for my fourth, the Texas Boxing Commission shut down all of the MMA competitions in Texas.

A few months later, they started pro fights but with the rumor of delaying amateur fights for a year or longer. Therefore, being seventeen years of age, I needed parental consent to turn pro. I begged and pleaded for them to sign for me and eventually they did. By my fourth or fifth professional fight, I pulled out of college and started fighting full-time.

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

TJ: My parents, my coach, and my grandfather.

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

TJ: Train hard. Don't let anyone tell you, "You can't do it." Look to God. If it's his will, you will prosper.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Daniel Roberts on September 17th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

TJ: The fight with Daniel Roberts looks like it will be an exciting match. We have a lot of similar skills and the fight should be action-packed.

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

TJ: Helping others along the way.

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

TJ: I hold a great deal of respect for the Christian mixed martial artists in the sport.

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

TJ: Hunting, camping, and watching movies.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

TJ: It's random, but I remember laying on my bed while staring at my little sister's crib. And that's it. I was probably about three years old.

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

TJ: I'm twenty-three years old and happily married to my coach's daughter. We are expecting our first little baby boy at the end of November.

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

TJ: Ummm...Superman. Mainly because I like to disguise myself and wear tights. (Laughs)

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Jason Dent in the following places:

Official TJ Waldburger Website:

http://www.tjwaldburger.net

Official TJ Waldburger MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/Tbjaba

Official TJ Waldburger Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Tj-Waldburger/100002404533326

The Grapplers Lair Website:

http://www.grapplerslair.com

TJ Waldburger on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Anthony-Waldburger-15125

TJ Waldburger Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/15125