10 Questions With Dwayne Lewis (8/20/2010)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Dwayne Lewis (by Darrick Patrick)

Dwayne Lewis is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as King of the Cage, Heat XC, Rumble in the Cage, KO Boxing, and Maximum Fighting Championship events Vindication, Unstoppable, Payoff, Lucky 13, Hard Knocks, Hostile Takeover, Anger Management, Unplugged 3, and High Rollers. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match was initially intended to be with Wilson Gouveia but will now be against Mike Nickels in Maximum Fighting Championship at MFC 26: Retribution on September 10th, 2010.

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

Dwayne: You know, I've always been a fan of martial arts for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a small and isolated community though, I didn't have the opportunity get involved in any of the arts. I moved to Toronto, Ontario when I was eighteen years old and joined a Kenpo Karate club. From there I transitioned into kickboxing for a few years. After eight years there, I moved to Fort McMurray, Alberta and did nothing for about six years. I evetually met up with a local Tae Kwon Do club owner by the name of Sandy Bowman and started back with training. The club soon transitioned into a mixed martial arts school and it became an affiliation of Miletich Fighting Systems. It was then and there I decided I wanted to be a MMA fighter at the age of thirty-one! I am now thirty-five years old.

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

Dwayne: First of all, I respect everyone who is involved the sport of mixed martial arts. It's really not just a sport so much as it is a way of life. Of course, there are a few special people that I truly look at in awe and have much respect for. Pat Miletich was/is a fantastic fighter, a tremendous coach, and one hell of a great guy! He is one of the true pioneers of the sport. I also have to mention Randy Couture. How can you not have the utmost respect for a gentleman of his age who is still able to compete at an elite level and be successful? There are so many others that I have a high respect for as well.

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

Dwayne: I'm not sure if I'm the guy to be giving advice to anyone, but if I were I would do my best to convince people not to rush into it. Take your time and learn as much as you can of every discipline and incorporate those techniques into your own style. Commit yourself 110 percent and make sure that you are in the best shape you can possibly be in before stepping into the cage/ring. Most people don't realize how exhausting it is in there.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight was supposed to be against Wilson Gouveia but is now with Mike Nickels on September 10th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Dwayne: I was so looking forward to fighting Wilson Gouveia on September 10th, but it was not meant to be. Gouveia had to bow out because of back issues. In his replacement the MFC brought back Mike Nickels who was part of the MFC's 2009 Fight of the Year! Although I'm disappointed I don't get a shot at Gouveia, I am happy to fight Mike Nickels. Nickels is a very tough opponent with great Jiu-Jitsu skills, but most importantly he likes to stand and trade...and that's what I enjoy. I truly believe I will knock him out. We will see on September 10th!

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

Dwayne: My grandfather was always my greatest influence. I spent most of my younger years with my grandparents. He taught me about the right and wrong side of things - and how there are no shortcuts in life. If you want something bad enough, you have to work to get it. He passed away a few years ago and I still think about him all the time.

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

Dwayne: There is no better feeling than stepping into that ring/cage, staring across at your opponent, and knowing it's a one-on-one war! All the hard work has been done and now it's the fun part, and if all goes well I walk out of there with my hand held high in victory. It is that moment of success, that little time frame of being on top of the world that gives me the most fulfillment. I love it!

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

Dwayne: I love spending time with my family. I am married with three kids, plus I have a full-time job. I dont get much spare time! (Laughs) I did recently get a Harley-Davidson though, thanks to my manager Sandy Bowman and Heritage Harley-Davidson, which I am totally addicted to.

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

Dwayne: Hmmm...something about me that a lot people wouldn't know. Well, I hate getting water in my eyes! (Laughs) Seriously though, I am the only fighter I know who wraps his own hands before a fight. Some guys look at me kind of funny and the commission people usually give odd looks too, but I find it very relaxing.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Dwayne: I'm not positive which is the oldest one, but I have several memories of fishing with my grandfather when I was very little. I was probably around six or seven years old.

Darrick: If you had superpowers, what would they be?

Dwayne: I don't know exactly what superpowers I would have. I do know I wish I had the power to make the world a better place. To stop all the suffering and pain that is inflicted upon small children and the weak. I'd like to make it so nobody has to go without food or water at any time. I would stop the violence and all of the hatred. I'm sure most everyone wishes they had those powers though.

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 Dwayne Lewis in the following places:

Official Dwayne Lewis Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=539115660&ref=ts

Official Dwayne Lewis Facebook Group:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=218448068383

Dwayne Lewis on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Dwayne-Lewis-22126

Dwayne Lewis Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/22126