10 Questions With Manny Tapia (3/19/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Manny Tapia (by Darrick Patrick)

Manny "The Mangler" Tapia is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting and King Of The Cage. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Akitoshi Tamura at WEC 40: Torres vs. Mizugaki on April 5th, 2009.

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

Manny: I really can't give a definite answer to that, it all just sort of happened. An old wrestling buddy had actually taken me to the gym where I'm still at and I just took it from there. It pretty much just happened like that.

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

Manny: All I have to say is that it is really fun, but you have to be willing to put in the time to train.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Akitoshi Tamura on April 5th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Manny: I think Tamura is a very tough opponent, he is ranked highly in the MMA world, but I really don't know much about him besides the fact that he is a great grappler. Although I am definitely willing to find out more about him inside the cage.

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

Manny: My uncle for taking the time out of his life so that I would not mess up mine. He taught me how to read and much more.

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

Manny: I love to work with people, especially kids. I enjoy helping them boost their confidence, whether it's through helping them train or by simply giving advice.

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

Manny: I respect Urijah Faber and Miguel Torres a lot because they represent the sport extremely well.

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

Manny: Other than mixed martial arts, there are a lot of things I love doing. I enjoy fishing, shooting, and just having fun really. Although nothing beats spending quality time with the family and close friends.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Manny: I have a lot of early memories and they all have to with my parents when they were still alive. A good memory from then was when my cousin and I burned my neighbor's haystack. I got whipped for it and he got away freely! Man, I got it good that time.

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

Manny: I used to be the biggest alcoholic ever. I would drink from sun up to sun down, but I had to change my ways. Nowadays, I really don't touch alcohol that much anymore unless it is on a special occasion.

Darrick: When you're no longer amongst the living, how would you most like to be remembered?

Manny: Well, I'm pretty sure that I'll probably be remembered by those who know me closely as one tough man who was not afraid to take chances in life.

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 Manny Tapia in the following places:

Official Manny Tapia MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/themangler81

Manny Tapia on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Manny-Tapia-9048

Manny Tapia Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/9048