10 Questions With Joe Abouata (2/3/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Joe Abouata (by Darrick Patrick)

Joe "Apocalypse" Abouata is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Ring Of Combat, Battle Cage Xtreme, and Gladiator Challenge. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Bret Kohan for the ROC Heavyweight Championship in the main event at Ring Of Combat 23 on February 20th, 2009.

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

Joe: The journey started in the small town of Sonoma, California. I began training with Kurt, Jorge, and Jack in an automobile repair warehouse. We just threw some mats on the floor, trained, and I learned everything from boxing to Kali. During the two plus years I trained with Kurt, he kept telling me stories of his badass instructor from Jersey named Alex Wilkie AKA Big Al. Well, Kurt and the boys attended some Gladiator Challenge events and then told me I was better than any of the heavyweights they saw compete. After a year of training, I had my first pro fight and won via TKO. When Herb Dean raised my hand in the air, I knew it wasn't going to be the only fight of my career. I became addicted to the training and the lifestyle.

However, Kurt made it clear that he was a martial arts instructor first and not a pro fighter trainer. I'm a chemistry guy. If I don't mesh well with someone, I'm not going to listen to them. So, I came to a big fork in the road. I could remain in California, train with Kurt, and try to find time between two jobs to train at another BJJ school - or I could move from California to New Jersey and train with Alex Wilkie. It was a tough choice to make and most of my family tried to talk me into staying in California. That wasn't going to work for me. I knew I had to move and make a new life for myself. I chose to drive 2,900 miles in forty hours and make the move to New York. Here I am, exactly two years later. Fighting hard and living the dream!

Darrick: In your experience so far, what brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Joe: Training and fighting with Big Al and all the Wilkie's Warriors. We all bust our asses to improve one another and back each other up. We're not a team, we're an army. Any one of them will bleed for me, as I for them.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Bret Kohan on February 20th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Joe: I'm very prepared for him - I wish the fight was today. My goal is to add a third title to my collection. I anticipate this match as being one to remember.

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

Joe: My dad taught me to hustle after your goals, don't fear anyone, and to never quit. My mom taught me the value of family and friends, and of helping others. I come from a big family and everyone of them contibuted to my upbringing. I learned a lot from just watching others make mistakes so I wouldn't have to do the same.

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

Joe: Work hard and then even harder than that. It's not easy, you sacrifice a lot of time. There will be days when you don't want to get out of bed, but you have to. Just like anything in life, you will get out of it whatever you put into it. If you're willing to give it all you have, then hold up two middle fingers for anyone who doubts you.

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

Joe: Wanderlei Silva is my idol. He's the first fighter I ever saw with such savage striking and ruthless aggression. Pure badass. Bas Rutten is one of the greatest ever with all-around fighting skills, is an awesome commentator, and a damn good trainer. Rampage Jackson pound-for-pound could possibly be the strongest fighter in the world. He's tough as hell and always finds a way to punish his opponents. Last but not least is Fedor. The guy came from nothing and is the Emperor of MMA. He fights every fight like it's his last, he's strong, relentless, and has the best balance/footwork of any fighter - period!

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

Joe: Running wild with my girlfriend, crew, and my dog. I'm an electronics nerd, so I watch a lot of flicks on my home theater and play video games. Other than that, I just love having fun and eating.

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

Joe: I'm a huge James Bond fan - and I play World of Warcraft.

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

Joe: Being indestructible or having fast health regeneration.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Joe: When I was four or five, I was bored with a family party - so I walked outside and wandered a block or two away. Some lady found me and luckily I had my "spy wallet" with my address.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

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

Official Joe Abouata Website:

http://www.abouata.com

Official Joe Abouata MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/joeabouata

Official Joe Abouata YouTube Site:

http://www.youtube.com/user/joeabouata

Joe Abouata on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Joe-Abouata-15032

Joe Abouata Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/15032