10 Questions With Mike Ricci (4/7/2010)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Mike Ricci (by Darrick Patrick)

Mike Ricci is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Ringside MMA, Xtreme MMA, and TKO Major League MMA events Quenneville vs. Hioki and Sims vs. Bosse. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Pat Curran in the first round of the second season lightweight tournament of Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 14 on April 15th, 2010.

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

Mike: My journey towards being involved this sport was definitely a long one. I only got into MMA at the age of twenty. I've always been involved in sports such as football and track, so I just loved being constantly active. I kind of got into mixed martial arts on a whim. I bought a book on Jiu-Jitsu, started trying out moves with my friends, and that's all she wrote. Now, I'm here today fighting as a professional.

Darrick: In your experience so far, what brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Mike: I believe that martial arts goes a lot deeper than just competition. It can add countless amounts of positive changes in your life, both physically and spiritually.

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

Mike: I have a great deal of respect my training partner GSP (Georges St-Pierre) for his work ethic and dedication. I also look up to Anderson Silva, even though I have never met him yet. His composure is very impressive, he seems to stay calm and extremely focused throughout his fights. I hope to achieve that eventually with experience.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Pat Curran on April 15th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Mike: This is the biggest fight of my career. Everything else I have accomplished so far might mean a lot to me, but in reality and in this tournament it doesn't mean much. I realize that, so I have prepared to the best of my ability and will show up ready to perform on April 15th.

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

Mike: The best piece of advice that I can give to anyone training, planning on training, or competing in mixed martial arts is to have consistency. It is the most important word that you can learn when being involved in MMA. It took me two years to truly realize the meaning and effects of consistency. So if you are fighting or planning on fighting, remember this word.

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

Mike: My biggest influences were probably Bruce Lee, Michael Jackson, and my father. (Laughs) Quite the mix but all of my childhood I tried to fight like Bruce, dance like Michael, and really listened to the wisdom my father was passing down to me.

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

Mike: There are quite a few other things I enjoy doing but my top favorites are video games, clubbing, and eating McDonald's. (Laughs) Like I said earlier though, since I have discovered the meaning of consistency I don't get much of an opportunity to enjoy those things anymore - but on occasion I do.

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

Mike: I like to watch cartoons, play video games, and eat candy. I'm like a big kid. Any chance I have to just relax and be a kid, I take it.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Mike: My oldest memories would probably be from when I was around four years old. I remember going to pre-kindergarten, drawing pictures and playing in the school yard. Pretty normal stuff.

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

Mike: Hands down, I would have Superman's powers if I had the choice. I'd fly around the world in seconds, see some cool things and pick up some really big stuff like cars. (Laughs) Maybe I'd even fly into space, chill on another planet like Mars or something.

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 Mike Ricci in the following places:

Official Mike Ricci Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=512234213

Official Mike Ricci Facebook Group:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Ricci/94031579345

Mike Ricci on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Mike-Ricci-33532

Mike Ricci Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/33532