10 Questions With RJ Clifford (12/17/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With RJ Clifford (by Darrick Patrick)

RJ Clifford is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as King Of The Cage, California Extreme Fighting, Fist Series, and Valor Fighting Championships. He is also the editor-in-chief of MMA Worldwide, which encompasses MMA Worldwide Magazine, TapouT Magazine, the respective digital versions of the magazines, the MMA Worldwide television show on HDNet, an upcoming radio show, and the MMA Worldwide news website.

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

RJ: I wrestled and played football in high school since they were the two sports with the most contact. I never took Karate or any martial arts as a kid because I never believed they worked. I wanted to wrestle and box because I knew those were the most combat effective arts.

When I started wrestling in college, I would take Jiu-Jitsu classes with my coach Paulo "Junior" Gazze at his gym in Huntington Beach (http://www.hbbjj.com). I started to round out my skill set with striking and wanted to test my abilities, so I had my first pro fight in October of 2006. I was too dumb to do any amateur fighting, but looking back I wish that I had.

Darrick: Where could you possibly see the future of the sport ten years from now?

RJ: The sport continues to go up and up. I think because of the nature of MMA, the fact that there is blood and it is violent, it will keep it from being the biggest thing ever. Even as the public is educated on the sport and the safety involved, some people simply will not be able to stomach it, which is fine. I see it taking off though and becoming more mainstream than boxing.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people within mixed martial arts that you highly respect?

RJ: Matt Hughes and Randy Couture are my biggest inspirations in MMA. My first mixed martial arts event that I ever attended was UFC 34 when Couture stopped Pedro Rizzo and Matt Hughes powerbombed Carlos Newton. I was hooked ever since.

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

RJ: I would hope everyone would consider training in some aspect of MMA. Whether to stay in shape, compete, or just learn technique. It is a great atmosphere and I have made lifelong friends doing what I love.

Darrick: For those who aren't familiar with MMA Worldwide, what are the details with that?

RJ: I am the editor-in-chief of MMA Worldwide which comprises two magazines (MMA Worldwide and TapouT Magazine), our website http://www.mmaworldwide.com, our two digital editions of the magazines, our television show on HDNet called MMA Worldwide, and soon to be radio show coming out in 2010.

I first starting working here in late 2006 when MMA Worldwide Magazine launched to compliment TapouT Magazine. I was part of the road crew that traveled all over for the magazines. I started taking on more responsibility and stayed here.

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

RJ: I never wanted to fight for the fame or money, I just always needed a competitive outlet. I had always played sports and needed something to do after I was done wrestling in college. After wrestling every year for ten years, I needed something to do that curbed my competitive appetite.

The one-on-one combat of MMA is the purest form of competition. Facing your opponent who is a highly trained, professional athlete and moments later standing over him in victory is the greatest feeling in the world. I am not a violent guy, but the thought of facing someone the same weight as me in a fair environment and beating the tar out of him sends chills down my spine.

Darrick: Outside of combat sports, what are your other interests?

RJ: Between working at MMA Worldwide and fighting professionally, MMA is basically my life 24/7 but that's how I like it. When I can find the time though, I enjoy spending time with friends, enjoying the beach or any other outdoor activity in beautiful Long Beach, California and sipping an adult beverage here and there with my buddies.

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

RJ: Something many people are shocked to find out about me is that I am a huge Star Trek fan. I have been a Trekkie since I was a little kid and have seen every episode of The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager as well as having seen every movie ever made.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

RJ: My fondest memories as a kid was jumping on our trampoline in Huntington Beach, California. My grandma, who lived next door, would throw candy over the wall onto the trampoline and have my brothers and I try to get to the candy first. I was kind of a fat kid.

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

RJ: That's a tough question. I would probably travel the forests and jungles, hunting and fishing for food. Turn into Davy Crockett or something. That's probably the only thing I could do by myself that would keep me entertained for the rest of my life without anyone else. Or I would sit on my ass and watch movies swiped from video stores all day. I couldn't tell you for sure.

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 RJ Clifford in the following places:

Official RJ Clifford MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/15367536

Official RJ Clifford Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/rj.clifford

Official RJ Clifford Twitter Page:

http://twitter.com/RJClifford2

MMA Worldwide Website:

http://www.mmaworldwide.com

Official MMA Worldwide Magazine MySpace:

http://www.myspace.com/mmaworldwidemagazine

Official MMA Worldwide Twitter Area:

http://twitter.com/mmaworldwide

TapouT Magazine Website:

http://www.tapoutmagazine.com

Official TapouT Magazine MySpace:

http://www.myspace.com/bodyguardmagazine

RJ Clifford on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/RJ-Clifford-19431

RJ Clifford Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/19431