10 Questions With Jason Dent (10/2/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Jason Dent (by Darrick Patrick)

Jason "Dynamite" Dent is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, King Of The Cage, North American Allied Fight Series, Superior Fight Night, Icon Sport, International Fighting & Boxing League, Gladiators Cage Fighting, Extreme Fighting Challenge, Northern Kentucky Fighting Championships, SuperBrawl, Extreme Combat Challenge, APEX Championship Fighting, Xtreme Fighting Organization, and Next Level Fighting. He also appeared on the ninth season of the television show The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against George Sotiropoulos in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC 106: Lesnar vs. Carwin on November 21st, 2009.

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

Jason: I have always loved martial arts since I was around four years old. I've even got an old picture of me when I was four wearing a ninja costume I got for Christmas. I watched every action movie I could get my hands on growing up. Unfortunately, I was unable to start training until I turned fourteen years old due to just not having the extra money to do it. My sister Lamatha is the one I have to thank for getting me in there as she paid for me and got me started. I studied and trained in Karate until I got my Black Belt, then after watching the early UFC events I began training and competing in both Muay Thai and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. That's kind of the journey that led me to doing mixed martial arts.

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

Jason: Take your time in your amateur career and get lots of experience so you are ready when you turn pro. Experience is everything in this sport and your amateur career is for learning about your strengths and weaknesses. You can't erase losses off of your professional record.

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

Jason: I'd have to say the Gracie's for bringing this great sport to everyone's attention. I mean they are pretty much responsible for starting MMA here in North America. Also, my favorite fighter still competing today is Randy Couture. The guy just loves to compete and is still able to compete with the best of the best even at his age.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against George Sotiropoulos on November 21st. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Jason: It's going to be a tough one. George is a stud and is 3-0 in the UFC right now. His boxing is decent and his Jiu-Jitsu is phenomenal. I believe in everyone's eyes that I'm the underdog in this fight and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to prove everyone wrong.

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

Jason: Training in my academy to me is like a second home. I love the workouts and the competition. I may sometimes show up to the gym in a bad mood, but I always seem to leave with a smile after having been there.

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

Jason: My sister helped keep me straight and out of too much trouble, my parents kept me fed with a roof over my head, and my uncle and cousin toughened me up.

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

Jason: To be honest, martial arts is my life right now. I own and operate the GriffonRawl MMA Academy (http://www.ohio-mma.com) in which I coach and train over twenty active amateur fighters and also have four other pro fighters as well. The gym alone would be enough to keep me busy between teaching private lessons, teaching group lessons, traveling to shows to corner my guys, and everything else involved. I also obviously fight professional as well and we all know that takes up a lot of time too.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Jason: That's a really weird question. I'm guessing this doesn't have to be MMA-related. When I close my eyes and try to remember back as far into my childhood as possible all I can think of is playing in my old backyard with my sister Lamatha and my old dog Yo Yo. My sister and I used to build some huge igloos.

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

Jason: I'm a very much a family guy. My favorite downtime is just hanging out with my family, any of them. I'm not real big on going out and partying or anything like that.

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

Jason: In order of importance I would have to say as a good husband, son, brother, uncle, coach, and then fighter.

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 Jason Dent in the following places:

Official Jason Dent MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/dynamitedent

Official GriffonRawl MMA Academy Site:

http://www.ohio-mma.com

Official GriffonRawl MMA Academy MySpace Page:

http://www.myspace.com/griffinrawl

Jason Dent on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Jason-Dent-8321

Jason Dent Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/8321

[keithlewis]

Most unexciting personality I have ever seen on TV.