10 Questions With Matt Van Buren (11/11/2011)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Matt Van Buren (by Darrick Patrick)

Matt Van Buren is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Bellator Fighting Championships, Fight Night in the Cage, Black and Blue Entertainment, and Washington Combat. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Shawn Levesque in Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 57 on November 12th, 2011.

Darrick: How did you end up competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Matt: I was kind of hanging with the wrong crowd while growing up. We got into a lot of trouble and people were going down the wrong path. I always liked to fight. I ended up talking to one of my buddies about MMA because he used to fight. I was looking for something to keep me out of trouble. I started training, took a few fights, and was hooked.

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

Matt: I wasn't really influenced by people too much when I was younger. My parents tried to keep me on track. I was mostly influenced by my friends though, which wasn't the best thing. (Laughs)

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

Matt: Don't get discouraged. I have thought about quitting a million times. This is a very frustrating sport and very mentally draining. Keep focused. I think it's natural for everyone to think about quitting in frustration. Take a day off and get back in there.

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

Matt: This fight with Shawn is my ticket to a chance of getting into the tournament and making a better life for myself. I work a dead-end day job and train every spare minute I have. It's very tough. I would love to train full-time and to do that I must defeat him. I'm too motivated right now. I'm broke and he is in the way of my next meal. It's a bad fight for him.

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

Matt: I have a lot of respect for Randy Couture and the early pioneers who paved the way. Tito Ortiz and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua really inspire me because they have overcome adversity with very serious injuries. They are still able to push through and continue to be successful.

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

Matt: I love the satisfaction of a good workout. I also enjoy competition. I strive to be the best at everything, so I enjoy learning new techniques and pushing myself to new limits.

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

Matt: At this point, I don't really have many interests outside of mixed martial arts. I barely have time to do laundry. Going to church on Sunday is about it.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Matt: I think I was in the second grade. I remember getting into trouble during class and being put in the corner.

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

Matt: There's really not much to tell. I'm a simple guy.

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

Matt: I'd probably just work out.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Matt Van Buren in the following places:

Official Matt Van Buren Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1774161170

Official Matt Van Buren Facebook Group:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Matt-Van-Buren-MMA/167120476648059

Matt Van Buren on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Matt-Van-Buren-64754

Matt Van Buren Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/64754