10 Questions With Claudio Ledesma (10/3/2011)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Claudio Ledesma (by Darrick Patrick)

Claudio Ledesma is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Ring of Combat, Urban Conflict Championships, and Asylum Fight League. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Brian Kelleher in Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 54 on October 15th, 2011.

Darrick: What was the path that led you to competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Claudio: Boredom! I moved away from where I grew up and didn't know anyone. My boredom brought me to Renzo Gracie Denville and the rest is history.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?

Claudio: Do it for the right reasons. Do it for the love, not to be able to walk around telling people that you're "a fighter". Like anything in life, if you're going to do it, do it one hundred and ten percent.

Darrick: Who is a person in the sport that you highly respect?

Claudio: Frankie Edgar is probably the individual that I have the most respect for. His heart is huge and his work ethic is ridiculous. You can't ever count someone like Frankie out.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Brian Kelleher on October 15th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Claudio: Brian is a good fighter and very well-rounded. I think it'll be a great fight because we both fight to finish and I'm sure we'll both be prepared. There is a lot at stake for each of us in this match, so we'll be fighting our hearts out.

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

Claudio: Learning. The more I train the more I realize I don't know shit.

Darrick: Who is someone that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Claudio: My father is my hero and my motivation. He came to this country with nothing. With his hard work and determination, he made a life for me. Getting in the cage takes balls, doing what he did for me takes bowling ball-sized balls.

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

Claudio: I love to spend time with my son. Between work and training, we spend a lot of time apart. So, whenever I'm free I'm just trying to be the best dad I can be.

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

Claudio: I hate attention.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Claudio: My oldest memory is of my dad teaching me how to ride a bike. He let me go and I was riding all by myself, but didn't know it. When I looked back and didn't see him, I panicked. I fell off the bike and broke my arm. My dad told me I needed to man up!

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

Claudio: Health, wealth, good fortune, and forgiveness (bonus wish).

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Claudio Ledesma in the following places:

Official Claudio Ledesma Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Claudio-Ledesma/583575326

Claudio Ledesma on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Claudio-Ledesma-61676

Claudio Ledesma Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/61676