10 Questions With Andreas Kraniotakes (2/14/2012)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Andreas Kraniotakes (by Darrick Patrick)

Andreas "Big Daddy" Kraniotakes is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Cage Warriors Fighting Championship, ProElite, Superior Fighting Championship, Outsider Cup, World Free Fight Challenge, Respect Fighting Championship, Tempel Fight School, Emin Boztepe Martial Arts System German Championships, and La Onda. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Dmitry Poberezhets in the main event of Cage Warriors Fighting Championship at CWFC 46 on February 23rd, 2012.

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

Andreas: Like most kids, I tried a couple of sports. Being the fat kid with a mullet though, I always sucked at everything I tried. Soccer, athletics...you name it, I sucked at it. Then a friend told me to come to Judo class with him. As soon as my feet touched the mats, I knew that martial arts would never let me go again. Don't get me wrong. I still sucked at it in the beginning, but it was the first time. The will to improve was bigger than the disappointment of lacking talent. I might as well be the least talented fighter of all time, but I try to compensate with heart, discipline, and work.

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

Andreas: First and foremost, my mother. It's always been her and I ever since I was young. Then, my aunt and cousins. My cousins always gave me great beatings. They are older than me, so I had the chance to get used to beatings. They are still bigger than me when it comes to height, but today for some reason they try to avoid physical conflict.

Of course, my friends too. They finished what my family started. They made me a man and a humble human being. They still help my feet from leaving the ground and keeping my nose from becoming too high when things are going well.

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

Andreas: There are only a few words you need - hard work and dedication.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Dmitry Poberezhets on February 23rd. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Andreas: It's a great pleasure and honor. I always feel blessed to be able to compete at this high level and continue to headline great cards. It is one of the last remaining adventures of our time, to travel to a foreign country and fight a local guy in front of his home crowd. Somehow feels like Rocky IV. Check out my upcoming video blog for more of the same.

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

Andreas: Seeing myself improve. To be honest, and I know it's kind of ridiculous because I attend hand-to-face combat competition, the only one I'm really fighting is myself. I always want to be the best I can possibly be. I know I can beat almost everyone out there. In order to do so, I have to win against my inner demons and overcome other adversities that lay within. If I am a champion one day, it'll only be because I won the fight inside myself.

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

Andreas: Bas Rutten is my idol when it comes to "what to do after my career as an active fighter is over." I've already started working in and with media to get my foot in that door. I have always been on the mat as a trainer as well. Another person I respect is Alistair Overeem. He is the meanest son of a gun on this planet, period. I trained with him and he amazes me. And that is not easy to do! Also, Dana White and the Fertitta brothers for saving and building the modern sport of mixed martial arts like no other could have.

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

Andreas: What do you mean with "outside of MMA"?

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Andreas: My mom and I still lived in Munich when I was six years old. I had to walk three miles to school every day. I remember getting up early on the weekends to watch TV and eat ice cream while my mom was either working or still sleeping.

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

Andreas: I like to sing, I'm afraid of high places, and I hate the dentist.

Darrick: If you had 24 hours left to live, how would you spend that time?

Andreas: I would write a letter to every person that means something to me. Then, I would finally send my book to the publishing house. Next, I'd update my Facebook status to something like, "I lived my dreams, I loved with all my heart, and I was never scared of getting hurt." Then, I would add the link to My Way by Frank Sinatra. The rest of the time I would spend with my beloved fiancée.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Andreas Kraniotakes in the following places:

Official Andreas Kraniotakes Website:

http://www.kraniotakesmma.com

Official Andreas Kraniotakes Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/kraniotakes

Official Andreas Kraniotakes MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/kraniotakes

Official Andreas Kraniotakes Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/bdkraniotakes

Official Andreas Kraniotakes YouTube Account:

http://www.youtube.com/user/BigDaddyKraniotakes

Andreas Kraniotakes on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Andreas-Kraniotakes-30848

Andreas Kraniotakes Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/30848