10 Questions With Márcio Cruz (3/11/2010)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Márcio Cruz (by Darrick Patrick)

Márcio "Pé de Pano" Cruz is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, International Fight League, Sengoku, Art Of Fighting, and Intimidation Cage Fighting. He is also one of the most decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners within BJJ competition history. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Dave Yost in the main event of Art Of Fighting at AOF 7: Pay Day on April 3rd, 2010.

Darrick: How did you end up competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Márcio: Since I was very young I felt that I had a natural tendency to easily learn Jiu-Jitsu and my love for it grew very quickly as well. I did well competing before I decided to take it to the next level and take on more challenges, such as fighting in other competitions related to it.

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

Márcio: My mother. She always supported me in Brazil to follow my dreams and that’s a blessing. Not many fighters have this privilege.

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

Márcio: Think about it very deeply because it’s not an easy route. You have to truly love it.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Dave Yost on April 3rd. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Márcio: Like every fight that I've fought and I will fight, I only think about winning the match. Regardless of who I’m fighting against, this is what is on my mind.

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

Márcio: I have a lot of respect for Renzo Gracie because he has fought many different fighters of different weights, taking any challenges presented to him. Renzo is also the nicest guy I’ve ever met in my entire life. I also respect Minotauro very much because he is a true fighter and he has proved it in numerous rings.

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

Márcio: When I train very hard for a fight without getting hurt is the best feeling ever. It’s very usual to get hurt training, so that’s definitely a good feeling when it doesn’t happen. I believe that the most fulfillment that a MMA fighter can get is to fight when they are in their best conditions.

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

Márcio: I enjoy passing along what I’ve learned through my Jiu-Jitsu Academy. I love to see my students improving their Jiu-Jitsu skills and I can tell it changes their lives too.

Darrick: What moments in your life have you been proudest of so far?

Márcio: The days on which my two children were born. I have no words to describe the feelings.

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

Márcio: People don’t know that when I started to train Jiu-Jitsu and still was a white belt, I already knew that I would be the best Jiu-Jitsu fighter in the world.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Márcio: I remember when I was young, I used to move the furniture at my house to watch the Olympic Games and do play-fighting of Judo with my brother in the middle of the living room. My mother would go crazy.

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 Márcio Cruz in the following places:

Official Márcio Cruz Website:

http://www.marciocruzbjj.com

Official Márcio Cruz Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Marcio-Cruz/100000335659372

Márcio Cruz on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Marcio-Cruz-13976

Márcio Cruz Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/13976