10 Questions With Eric Schafer (10/19/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Eric Schafer (by Darrick Patrick)

Eric "Ravishing Red" Schafer is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Gladiators Cage Fighting, Duneland Classic, HOOKnSHOOT, Cage Combat, Xtreme Fighting Organization, and Midwest Shootfighting. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Ryan Bader in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC 104: Machida vs. Shogun on October 24th, 2009. The fight is slated to air live on Spike TV in the United States and on ESPN in the United Kingdom prior to the pay-per-view broadcast.

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

Eric: I was a freshman in college back in 1996 and was looking for a sport to start training in. I had become a fan of the UFC, so when I found out that a gym in my town was teaching Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu I started taking lessons. I had my first amateur fight a few months later and continued to compete in BJJ and MMA throughout college. I went "pro" in '98, but it was mostly just for weekend party money. I decided in 2005 to dedicate myself and really try to see how good I could be.

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

Eric: My favorite fighter was Genki Sudo. He is a great example of a well-rounded fighter and person. He's highly entertaining and also a very interesting individual. I usually like fighters that are intelligent and professional. People like Georges St-Pierre and Randy Couture are winners, but they don't act like tough guys.

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

Eric: I recommend finding the best gym that you can and taking it slowly. Too many people fight above their weight class, against fighters that are much more experienced, or on too short of notice. These people get a bunch of stupid losses on their record that will affect their career later on. Taking a fight that you are okay with losing will usually result in a defeat.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Ryan Bader on October 24th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Eric: Bader is a great athlete and wrestler, so it will be a tough fight. I won't be able to take him down, so I have been working a lot on my striking and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu off my back.

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

Eric: Competing is the most fulfilling thing for me. It doesn't matter whether I win or lose, just that I go out there and test myself. Being a champ in the practice room proves nothing.

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

Eric: My grandmothers. They taught me to be a good person, but also to live life to the fullest and never settle for mediocrity.

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

Eric: I watch a lot of movies and television series on DVD. I am also a fan of Wisconsin sports such as the Packers, Badgers, Brewers, etc.

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

Eric: I live in a one-room apartment and drive a Dodge Neon. I live like a college kid because I would rather spend my money on adventures instead of material things.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Eric: Too many to choose from on this question. I have a bunch of memories from when I was two and three years old.

Darrick: If you were stuck in a bomb shelter for the rest of your life, what three items would you take in with you besides food and water?

Eric: My television, a computer, and my DVD collection. I need to stay entertained.

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 Eric Schafer in the following places:

Official Eric Schafer Website:

http://redschafer.net

Official Eric Schafer MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/redschafer

Official Eric Schafer Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/redschafer

Official Eric Schafer YouTube Page:

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

Eric Schafer on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Eric-Schafer-13275

Eric Schafer Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/13275