10 Questions With Phil Collins (11/11/2010)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Phil Collins (by Darrick Patrick)

Phil "The Pain" Collins is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, Tachi Palace Fights, Warrior Cup, Palace Fighting Championship, Gladiator Challenge, and Cage Combat Fighting Championships. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against John Alessio in Tachi Palace Fights at TPF 7: Deck the Halls on December 2nd, 2010.

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

Phil: I actually started training with some buddies in a garage just to lose weight. I used to weigh 265 pounds. I got offered a fight for two hundred dollars and then the journey began. I love competition and I was going to get paid for it. I was all in! The hard work and sacrifice has paid off. I've met and trained with some of the best fighters in the world. Who would have ever thought that a small town guy with a big city dream would be where I'm at now?

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

Phil: There really wasn't any "good" influences where I grew up, so I'd prefer to just skip this question.

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

Phil: My advice for anyone trying to get into mixed martial arts is that it's harder than you think.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against John Alessio on December 2nd. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Phil: Win, win, win, win. Nothing else matters. I could care less who is standing across from me when the bell rings.

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

Phil: The most fulfillment I get out of martial arts is simply just competing.

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

Phil: There are too many people to name. I've got respect and admire everyone who has helped me on my path to where I'm at now. Stact House, Last Stand Fight Team, Ralph Parga, David Granados, Josh Koscheck, MMA Unleashed, the websites, etc. Without their support, this couldn't be possible. Also, I'm sorry if I forgot to mention anyone.

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

Phil: Other than mixed martial arts, I just enjoy hanging around the house. I'm really a boring person.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Phil: I don't know. I really don't talk too much about my past, so I'd rather just skip this question too.

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

Phil: What most people dont know about me? Man, that's a hard one. Let me think about that...I really don't know. Actually, I know what to say here now. I'm a closet country music listener. (Laughs) They talk about beer and women, you can't beat that. I hope I don't lose my brotha' card for this answer!

Darrick: What moments in your life have you been proudest of so far?

Phil: Everything! I'm just proud to be where I'm at. Thanks for the interview - and a big thank you to all of my family and friends for their support.

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 Phil Collins in the following places:

Official Phil Collins MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/dnth8p

Official Phil Collins Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/philthepain

Phil Collins on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Phil-Collins-13883

Phil Collins Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/13883