10 Questions With D.J. Linderman (4/21/2011)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With D.J. Linderman (by Darrick Patrick)

D.J. "Da Protege" Linderman is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Bellator Fighting Championships, SportFight, Art of Fighting, CageSport, Brass Knuckle Promotions, and Alliance Fights. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Richard Hale in the semifinals of the fourth season light heavyweight tournament of Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 42 on April 23rd, 2011.

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

D.J.: When I started fighting as an amateur, it was just a hobby. As time went on though and I continued to win, my hobby just naturally transitioned into a career.

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

D.J.: For anyone looking for advice there is a saying that I live by. It’s just four simple words that can have a powerful meaning. "Train hard, fight easy." I feel that this has helped me to get where I am today.

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

D.J.: The first two people that come to mind are Randy Couture and Ricky Story. I have great respect for Randy because he doesn’t seem to fight for the publicity or money. He fights for the fight and a true love of the sport. I have great respect for Ricky because he is so down-to-earth and real. He is always calm, cool, and collected.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Richard Hale on April 23rd. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

D.J.: This fight against Richard Hale will be a challenge and a true test of my skills, but there has been no challenge to date I haven’t conquered.

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

D.J.: It is truly rewarding to win over my opponent's fans. When I walk into the cage as the underdog, put everything I have into a fight, by the end of the show the crowd is cheering for me. That’s an awesome feeling.

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

D.J.: There were not many people that were positive influences in my life while I was growing up, but one person that I have always looked up to is my oldest sister Karen. She is such a strong and independent person, to this day I still look up to her.

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

D.J.: I’m a pretty quiet guy. I mostly just spend time with my family and a few close friends. I like traveling, camping, and other outdoor things.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

D.J.: Playing on the sand dunes with my older brother and sister, getting pushed down. (Laughs) It was a war when I was a kid.

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

D.J.: I have two kids and I get beat by my wife. (Laughs) In all seriousness, I’m just quite a laid back kind of guy that likes to spend time with his family outside of the cage.

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

D.J.: If I could choose a super power it would be telekinesis, so that I could read my opponent's mind. I would also use it to find out what women really want.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://www.myspace.com/darrickpatrick/blog/343519835

You can also check out D.J. Linderman in the following places:

Official D.J. Linderman MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/NORCAL_CHAMP

Official D.J. Linderman Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Da-Protege-Linderman/100000539422817

D.J. Linderman on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/DJ-Linderman-30279

D.J. Linderman Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/30279