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10 Questions With Antonio Banuelos (by Darrick Patrick)

Antonio Banuelos is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, Palace Fighting Championship, Fury Full Contact Fighting, Ultimate Cage Wars, SportFight, Rumble on the Rock, Universal Above Ground Fighting, International Fighting Championship, and Warriors Quest. He was also featured on an episode of the television show TapouT during the first season of the series. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Miguel Torres in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort on February 5th, 2011.

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

Antonio: I wrestled all of my life. I got a scholarship to Cal Poly, messed that up, and quit wrestling. I became a drunk for awhile and then started training because Beau "One Man Army" Taylor and Jake Shields got me into it. Then, I met Chuck Liddell who kept me out of trouble and helped me start my fighting career.

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

Antonio: Just become a gym rat and train in every aspect of the sport. Train hard and always believe in yourself.

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

Antonio: Chuck Liddell and B.J. Penn due to them being living legends and having done it all in the sport. Also, Jake Shields because I've known him since college and I know what he has been through to get to where he is at today.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Miguel Torres on February 5th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Antonio: I'm excited for my fight against Miguel. It;s a great opportunity for me and it's an honor to be the opening fight on the main card at UFC 126.

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

Antonio: The fact that I have goals in my life. It gives me something to live for.

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

Antonio: My mom and dad. Everyone says they can see both their personalities in me. Also, my old wrestling coaches Jeff and John Tripp.

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

Antonio: My two dogs, a Chihuahua named Rancid and my pit bull Toki. I like to listen to music, go to concerts, and hang out with my friends.

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

Antonio: I like anime and Adult Swim on Cartoon Network. I also once got C.C. Deville, the lead guitarist from Poison, in an armbar.

Darrick: If you were stuck in a bomb shelter for the rest of your life, what three items would you take in with you besides food and water?

Antonio: My iPod, sunblock - SPF 50, and a lamp with a genie in it to grant me wishes.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Antonio: Hanging out at my grandma's house in Tulare with my crazy family.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Antonio Banuelos in the following places:

Official Antonio Banuelos Website:

http://www.antoniobanuelos.com

Official Antonio Banuelos MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/thepitantonio

Official Antonio Banuelos Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1775667481

Official Antonio Banuelos Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/antoniobanuelos

Antonio Banuelos on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Antonio-Banuelos-2580

Antonio Banuelos Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/2580