10 Questions With Kyle Watson (4/22/2011)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Kyle Watson (by Darrick Patrick)

Kyle Watson is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Corral's Combat Classic, X-treme Fight, Total Fight Challenge, Bodog Fight, Ironheart Crown, Madtown Throwdown, Courage Fighting Championships, and Freestyle Combat Challenge. He also appeared on the twelfth season of the television show The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against John Makdessi in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC 129: St-Pierre vs. Shields on April 30th, 2011.

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

Kyle: I was always very competitive in sports growing up and I was very interested in martial arts. However, I was from a small town and we didn't have many options. Once I went to college I was able to explore the combat arts. I started with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and fell in love with the art. I was a big UFC fan, and after some time I wanted to test my Jiu-Jitsu to see if I could make it effective in a more realistic combat setting. I came across and fought on an amateur promotion for Dan Severn. I was hooked and that was the start of my career.

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

Kyle: My parents have been my biggest influences. They are the best parents anyone could hope for. They always gave me the space to make mistakes, but then were there to pick me up when I made them. They have been ultra-supportive through everything for me. My Jiu-Jitsu coach, Jack McVicker, has also had a major impact on my life. Besides introducing me to BJJ, he has shown me what it takes to be a competitor, teacher, and role model.

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

Kyle: The advice I would give is to find a respected camp with respected trainers. Be prepared to work extremely hard and be willing to make sacrifices. I believe these are all key ingredients for success in MMA.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against John Makdessi on April 30th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Kyle: I think it is a tough fight but a good fight for me. John is undefeated for a reason and he trains at a great camp. However, I feel that I am more well-rounded and I have a lot more experience. I am prepared for a tough fight, but I do believe I have the better toolbox.

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

Kyle: I respect the majority of the fighters out there because I understand the hard work that goes into this sport. I especially respect the champions who maintain their titles for a long period of time, like Georges St-Pierre (GSP) and Anderson Silva. These are guys who not only worked their way to the title, but then they continue to evolve and beat all of the top talent put in front of them. I think this is an amazing feat.

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

Kyle: Teaching martial arts brings me a great deal of fulfillment. I love giving to others the many positive things that martial arts has brought to my life. Also, the relationships I have made are priceless. Traveling around the world has been exciting too.

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

Kyle: I love spending time with my wife, friends, and dogs. I really enjoy teaching Jiu-Jitsu and watching movies as well.

Darrick: When you're no longer amongst the living, how would you most like to be remembered?

Kyle: I would like to be remembered as someone who was always willing to help others and as a role model.

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

Kyle: I was once a part of a David Copperfield show and he made me disappear.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Kyle: My oldest memory is playing in the mud with my brother in the backyard of our house.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Kyle Watson in the following places:

Official Kyle Watson MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/kyle_watson454

Official Kyle Watson Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1366051626

Kyle Watson on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Kyle-Watson-7127

Kyle Watson Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/7127