10 Questions With Chase Gormley (5/16/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Chase Gormley (by Darrick Patrick)

Chase Gormley is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Maximum Fighting Championships, King Of The Cage, Gladiator Challenge, and Cage Of Fire. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Jeff Monson in the Vengeance Fighting Championship organization at VFC: Proving Grounds on June 6th, 2009.

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

Chase: I started doing MMA training to stay in shape for wrestling in the off-season. I think it was 1996 when I started in Jiu-Jitsu, then mixed martial arts in 1999. So, when I finished college it was really a no-brainer for me to begin my MMA career.

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

Chase: I would say that it's best to build a good base of skills first before jumping into any professional fights. Start by training for about six months or so, and then maybe have a few smokers to get used to the ring/cage. Being in shape is a huge part of this game. Make sure you push yourself to your limits, but stay smart and don't overtrain.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Jeff Monson on June 6th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Chase: I am really excited to be fighting again for starters. Jeff is a very experienced fighter that can be your worst nightmare if you go into the fight without a proper game plan. I feel that I have put together a great game plan and I'm without a doubt in the best shape of my life. I am doing all that I can to be ready for this challenge and in the end that's really all I can ask of myself.

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

Chase: My brother Josh AKA "Josh Dempsey" was my biggest influence growing up. He was a California heavyweight state champ in wrestling, so I kind of followed in his footsteps. He also was ranked fourth in the world in boxing back in 1997. I learned a lot of my striking game from him.

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

Chase: Well, for me I just enjoy competing. It is all I really know how to do. I have been wrestling since I was four years old, so I wouldn't be truly happy unless I was battling against someone else to see who's the best.

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

Chase: Fedor has to be my top pick here. People can say what they want about the pound-for-pound rankings, but he is number one and everyone knows it. I hope to keep winning and get my chance to face him one day, but we'll have to see about that! (Laughs)

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

Chase: I train most of the time now, but when I do have free time I like to spend it with my family and my girl. I don't drink or party, so I guess you can say I'm kind of boring. I would like to snowboard and skydive before I get too old though.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Chase: Going to Disneyland when I was five years old would have to be my earliest memory. That place is awesome when you're little.

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

Chase: I grew up as a Jehovah's Witness. People are always so surprised when they find out I used to be one. (Laughs) I still follow a lot of the moral and social rules they have, but I have too many doubts about the religion to stay active in it.

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

Chase: Geez...I don't know. I would probably be with my family and friends, maybe on a beach or a mountain somewhere. That way I could see something nicer than the inside of a hospital before I go.

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 Chase Gormley in the following places:

Official Chase Gormley MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/chasegormley

Chase Gormley on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Chase-Gormley-22247