10 Questions With Casey Olson (4/29/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Casey Olson (by Darrick Patrick)

Casey "The Underdog" Olson is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, Palace Fighting Championship, Cage Combat Fighting Championships, and Warrior Cup. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Eddie Yagin at PFC 13: Validation on May 8th, 2009.

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

Casey: During my junior college years of wrestling I became very good friends with Antonio Banuelos. He had moved down to San Luis Obispo, started training at The Pit with some of his friends, and through him I met Chuck Liddell. Antonio and Chuck started coming to my tournaments and matches when I wrestled at Fresno State. After Fresno State, I managed the old Spaghetti Factory and I'd go down to SLO on my two days I had off a week to help Antonio and the rest of the guys train. Chuck told me that I had a lot of potential, but if I were to do it, I needed to do it full-time and train full-time as well. So, after about six months as a manager I quit my job in February of 2005 and started training. I had my first fight in August of 2005 and here I am today.

Darrick: Who is someone that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Casey: My father. My dad said a lot of things, but if you listened to him, most of what he was saying was right. He raised me to never have regrets and to always give my all in anything that I decided to do. He was a great mentor, my best friend, and one hell of a dad.

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

Casey: Knowing that I'm not still running a restaurant, wondering if I "coulda, shoulda, woulda." The fulfillment I get is that no matter what happens in my career - I tried it, I gave it my all, and I have no regrets.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Eddie Yagin on May 8th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Casey: It's going to be a great action-packed, all-out fight. Eddie is a fierce fighter with great skills, whether standing up or on the mat. I'm excited to face a competitor like that.

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

Casey: Don't jump into it, it's not going anywhere. Learn the skills first. This isn't an old-fashioned bar fight, these are trained athletes. Train hard, ask lots of questions, and don't step in until you are truly ready.

Darrick: Who is someone in the sport that you highly respect?

Casey: Chuck Liddell. Not only is he one of my best friends, but I knew him before he was the top dog. After he got to that point, even with the money, the fame, and the more girls flocking to him - his personality and drive never changed. In the eight to nine years I've known him now, I've never seen him turn down an autograph, a picture, or not shake hands with fans that wanted to meet him. I think he was and still is a huge asset to the sport and an example to other fighters on how they should act towards fans. I respect all fighters who are humble and confident in their skills, but not cocky. You wanna' talk trash, talk it inside the cage.

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

Casey: I really enjoy coaching and inspiring/motivating people, kids, and athletes to become successful in whatever it is they want to do.

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

Casey: Most people don't know how hard I've worked to get where I am. Many think that because I know Chuck Liddell, I've had the road paved for me. That is definitely not the case. I work very hard in my hometown to promote fights, do motivational speaking to athletes, private training, and many other activities that have helped me to reach where I am at now. I believe things are ever rarely just given to you, what you put into it is what you'll get out of it.

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

Casey: I'd love to be a jumper, like in the movie by that name. Just to be able to jump anywhere on the planet at anytime that I want. One minute I could be looking at the Eiffel Tower and the next moment I'm having lunch on the Great Wall of China. Also, I can bring people with me. That would be awesome.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Casey: I'm not sure if they're my oldest, but my favorite memories growing up was of my dad just supporting me in everything that I did. Whatever sport I was doing at the time, I'd be waiting outside for him to come home from work. Whether it was with my bat and ball, a football, soccer ball, and yes, even in seventh grade my wrestling shoes. He was my biggest supporter.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Casey Olson in the following places:

Official Casey Olson Website:

http://www.teamunderdog24.com

Official Casey Olson MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/caseyo_24

Official Casey Olson Twitter Site:

http://twitter.com/caseyo_24

Casey Olson on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Casey-Olson-13639

Casey Olson Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/13639