10 Questions With Felipe Portela (8/20/2011)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Felipe Portela (by Darrick Patrick)

Felipe "Balboa" Portela is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Gladiator Challenge, Total Combat, Native Fighting Championship, XCage, Capital Fight, and Reality Combat Championship. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Brian Melancon at Strikeforce Challengers: Larkin vs. Zwicker on September 23rd, 2011.

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

Felipe: I was born in Brasilia, Brazil. I did all kind of martial arts from the age of six until I was nine years old, including Judo, Taekwondo, Capoeira, Ninjutsu, and Kung Fu. My brothers suggested to me that I try out Jiu-Jitsu. I liked it a lot, but as a Brazilian I always wanted to be a soccer player. When I was sixteen years old, I decided to quit soccer and primarily focus on Jiu-Jitsu. I started training in kickboxing one year later, which I competed in until 2008. Then in 2008, I decided to come to San Diego, learn English, and start my MMA career.

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

Felipe: My family and my coaches.

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

Felipe: Train a lot because there is going to be plenty of competition. This sport is going to be the biggest sport in the world.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Brian Melancon on September 23rd. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Felipe: This is going to be my Strikeforce debut, so I'm very excited to show the world all of my skills in this fight. I believe Brian and I match up well with each other. He is a very tough dude who likes to strike and so do I. I am looking foward to September 23rd.

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

Felipe: When I have my arms raised. It`s the best feeling in the world.

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

Felipe: I respect the Gracies, Wanderlei Silva, and Anderson Silva. The Gracies created this sport. Wanderlei Silva was the guy who I first watched when it came to the fights and made me want to become a MMA fighter. Anderson Silva is the best fighter in the world.

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

Felipe: I like to go to the beach with my girlfriend and friends to play some soccer, Smashball, and surf. I mostly try to rest though.

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

Felipe: I studied law for two years before quitting it to come to the U.S. to live my dream.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Felipe: Watching Power Rangers with my family when I was five years old. (Laughs)

Darrick: If you had three wishes, what would they be?

Felipe: It would start with winning my first fight in Strikeforce, then getting the Strikeforce belt, and finally becoming the UFC Welterweight Champion.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Felipe Portela in the following places:

Official Felipe Portela Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Felipe-Portela/1388453669

Felipe Portela on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Felipe-Portela-38013