10 Questions With Casey Noland (9/23/2011)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Casey Noland (by Darrick Patrick)

Casey "KO" Noland is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as King of the Cage, Ring of Fire, Fight for Wrestling, and The Cage Inc. At the time of this interview, her next scheduled match is against Jessica Eye in Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 51 on September 24th, 2011.

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

Casey: I was first introduced to martial arts when I was a senior in high school. My boyfriend at the time, Chuck Liddell, was a college wrestler and pro kickboxer. He asked me to come watch his black belt test at the Hawaiian Kempo martial arts fighting gym run by John Hackleman called "The Pit". I fell in love with the place and started training the next day. That was in January of 1996. Chuck and I had our daughter, Trista, just after he opened his own gym SLO Kickboxing. I started competing in amateur boxing in January of 1999.

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

Casey: I respect my coach Luke Riddering, as well as his wife. She is my "iron sharpen iron" training partner who is also a pro fighter, Christina Riddering. Also, my good friend Jared Hamman. They each are extraordinary in their work ethic and heart, and live honorable lives in and out of the cage.

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

Casey: My advice is don't fight for the money or for self-honor. Only get into the sport if you love it. Don't mind pain and hard work.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Jessica Eye on September 24th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Casey: My fight against Jessica Eye is just another day at the office for me. She's tough and talented, but so are all my sparring partners at The Pit. I respect her as an athlete and I am excited to punch her.

Darrick: Do you feel as if there are any extra hurdles being a female in mixed martial arts or do you believe it to be basically the same struggle for both genders?

Casey: It's majorly different for females for many reasons, but it is what it is. I love it though! My team respects me and supports me. They see how hard I work.

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

Casey: Martial arts brings me fulfillment because of the people. My gym is my family. I have met and had the opportunity to train with some amazing, hardworking people. That's what I love the most.

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

Casey: My kids! I love my kids and I love being a mom. I teach kindergarten. I also love to watch my older daughter play polo and my little girl play softball.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Casey: My oldest memory is growing up on a cattle ranch in Colorado and playing in the snow.

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

Casey: Most people don't know that I love reading my Bible and going to church.

Darrick: If you had a working time machine, what is a point in history that you would visit?

Casey: I would travel back to when Jesus was alive.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Casey Noland in the following places:

Official Casey Noland Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/kocaseyj

Official Casey Noland Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/caseynolandmma

Casey Noland on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Casey-Noland-69412