10 Questions With George Roop (12/7/2008)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With George Roop (by Darrick Patrick)

George Roop is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Rage In The Cage, Worldwide Fighting Championship, Cage Supremecy, and was also recently on the eighth season of the television show The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Shane Nelson in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at The Ultimate Finale for season eight on December 13th, 2008.

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

George: I've always been a fan of the UFC and MMA since the very first UFC when I was young. I was involved in traditional martial arts when I was younger and then wrestled in high school. Since I was a kid I always knew that I wanted to be a MMA fighter.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Shane Nelson on December 13th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

George: Shane Nelson is a great fighter. He has a great ground game and very solid stand-up to go with it. He also trains with the UFC Lightweight Champion B.J. Penn, but I am more ready than ever for this fight. I have never been so focused and prepared for a fight ever.

Darrick: How have you been spending your time since the completion of this season's The Ultimate Fighter filming?

George: The first thing I did when I got home is get my hand re-broken, set in a cast, and let that heal up for six weeks. Without skipping a beat, Frank moved me up to Vegas with him where I've been preparing for this fight. I have been training with Mir, Ken Hahn, Robert Drysdale, and my own personal trainer from home, Ed West, who has been the biggest asset to my career.

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

George: I'm a competitor. I think the challenges that MMA brings to the table is the fulfillment for me. It's an individual sport and you can only rely on yourself in the cage.

Darrick: Where could you possibly see the future of the sport ten years from now?

George: MMA is always evolving. Our sport will continue to grow and we will see even more incredible fighters ten years from now.

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

George: The best advice I have is that being consistent pays off. I think that's the most important thing. You have to be in the gym all the time and always learning.

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

George: Besides martial arts, I love watching football. Football season is one of the best times of the year. My friends and I gather around the TVs and watch all the games as we barbeque up some great food.

Darrick: If you had superpowers, what would they be?

George: Hmmm...I would have to say I want all of the superpowers. I want them all so I would never be limited to one power.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

George: My oldest memory is from when I was three. I was riding my Big Wheel down a steep, grassy hill and I crashed into a tree.

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

George: A lot of people don't know that I am a dog lover. I like to volunteer at the Humane Society and when I'm done with my fighting career, I plan on opening a dog rescue.

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 George Roop in the following places:

Official George Roop Website:

http://www.georgeroop.com

Official George Roop MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/364879932

George Roop TUF 8 Blog on MMAWeekly.com:

http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=7510&zoneid=13

George Roop on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/George-Roop-16415