10 Questions With Rafael Dias (3/26/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Rafael Dias (by Darrick Patrick)

Rafael Dias is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, International Fight League, Bodog Fight, Gracie Fighting Championships, C3 Fights, American Championship Fighting, Miami Vale Tudo, Premier X-treme Fighting, Freestyle Combat Challenge, and Absolute Fighting Championships. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match was originally intended to be with Cole Province, but will now be against Mike Budnik at WEC 40: Torres vs. Mizugaki on April 5th, 2009.

Darrick: What was the road that led you to professional mixed martial arts competition?

Rafael: I started training BJJ when I was a teenager and a lot of the guys I was training with were working on MMA. All of my instructors had a major focus on MMA as well, so that was what set me up for a natural transition from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to mixed martial arts.

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

Rafael: I think first off would be my parents, they taught me everything that I know. As for my career in MMA, I always liked to see Murilo Bustamante in action and I'm a big fan of his style.

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

Rafael: It seems that a lot of people want to do mixed martial arts nowadays because of the exposure, but to succeed in MMA you can't think about it in terms of money and fame. You have to love mixed martial arts and enjoy testing your limits.

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

Rafael: Unfortunately, my original opponent Cole got hurt. So, I'm now fighting Mike Budnik who is a tough competitor and always comes to his matches in good shape. I'm ready to fight and hungry to win.

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

Rafael: I respect everybody who steps in the cage and shows heart, warrior spirit, and respect for martial arts.

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

Rafael: Mixed martial arts is my life. I do MMA and I live MMA.

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

Rafael: Other than MMA, I take care of all of my school business. Technically, it's not outside of mixed martial arts though because it's a MMA school. Just trying to make the business go well in this tough economy is harder than fighting is.

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

Rafael: I was born in Brazil and I also have a Bachelor's Degree in Law.

Darrick: If you were the last person alive on Earth, what do you think you'd do to entertain yourself?

Rafael: Last person on Earth? That would suck! I believe I would be running around all over the planet trying to find someone to talk with.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Rafael: I try to keep all of my good memories and delete the worst ones, so I just like to think of my family and that makes me stronger.

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 Rafael Dias in the following places:

Official Rafael Dias MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/rafaeldiasatt

Rafael Dias on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Rafael-Dias-10340

Rafael Dias Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/10340