10 Questions With Joe Mellotte (11/19/2008)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Joe Mellotte (by Darrick Patrick)

Joe Mellotte is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Legends Of Fighting, Extreme Fighting Challenge, Saturday Night At The Cage, Ohio Xtreme Fighting, Hammer House Cage Fighting, Chaos In The Cage, Hammer House Fight Night, Ohio Cage Fights, and Maximum Combat. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Patrick Barrentine at Warrior Combat XXI on November 22nd, 2008.

Darrick: How did you end up competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Joe: My buddy's Mustang broke down while we were on the way to Panama City Beach and we were stuck outside of Atlanta, Georgia. They were having fights across the street from where we were staying for the night. We went and checked it out - one of the main event fighters didn't show up, so they offered 1,500 dollars win or lose to anyone that would fight this guy from Canada. I took them up on the offer and whooped the guy. After I got back from Florida, I went to Hammer House and started training and fighting for Mark Coleman and Wes Sims. The rest is history.

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

Joe: Actually, I went to a wrestling camp at OSU while in the seventh grade, so I have always looked up to Mark Coleman. My family is also a big part of my life, I love them all very much.

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

Joe: Just being able to compete as a professional athlete, that was one of my childhood goals - and I love the way little kids look up to all of us fighters, pro and ammy.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Patrick Barrentine on November 22nd. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Joe: It's going to be tough. He is a great wrestler and very strong, although I do have the upper hand on size and strength. It's gonna' be a war for sure!

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

Joe: That's a tricky question. (Laughs) There are so many shady promoters these days. To date the best ones I have fought for would be Mike Patt of OXF and Rick Pyles of UVC - who is Sean Salmon's father-in-law.

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

Joe: Train hard and never get discouraged. There are only two ways to determine a fight, W - win and L - learning experience.

Darrick: Outside of martial arts, what are your other interests?

Joe: Football, bowling, and golf.

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

Joe: I'm a momma's boy. (Laughs)

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

Joe: Four ounce MMA gloves, a heavy bag, and a ground bag.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Joe: My first pet - my Pit Bull was stolen out of my backyard when I was five years old. I loved that dog!

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Joe Mellotte in the following places:

Official Joe Mellotte MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/joemellotte

Joe Mellotte on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Joe-Mellotte-7504