10 Questions With Walel Watson (9/21/2011)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Walel Watson (by Darrick Patrick)

Walel "The Gazelle" Watson is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Tachi Palace Fights, Ultimate Warrior Challenge, Baja Cage Fighting, Native Fighting Championship, and Gladiator Challenge. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Joseph Sandoval in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC Live: Cruz vs. Johnson on October 1st, 2011.

Darrick: What was the path that led you to competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Walel: My journey stated at the young age of seven years old. I played football, baseball, basketball, football, and a little soccer. I ended up sticking with football in high school and in junior college (semi-pro). I wasn't big enough to get a Division 1 scholarship and couldn't afford to go to a big university. So, my good childhood friend Robert Peralta asked me to come try out MMA. He took me to a garage and we started beating each other up. That was it, I was hooked! I've never stopped training since. Oh, and neither one of us train in that garage anymore. (Laughs)

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

Walel: The advice I have for anyone looking to get into mixed martial arts is to learn as much as possible and keep an open mind with thick skin. It's tough in the beginning and you will have to look deep in your heart to push forward if it's something you really want to do. You will have trials and tribulations, but if you stick it out it's the most rewarding accomplishment in the world.

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

Walel: I look up to my coaches, teammates, and all the fighters that have paved the way for us from the beginning when MMA was outlawed in so many states. My coaches are the ones that have given me the knowledge. Manolo Hernandez, Tiger Smalls, Frank Salgado, Bill Crawford, and Gazzy Parman have all helped to create this monster! (Laughs)

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Joseph Sandoval on October 1st. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Walel: My thoughts on the bout with Joseph Sandavol this October 1st in the UFC is dynamite! We're two dudes that get after it and put on a show. Put us together and you get Fight of the Night!

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

Walel: The learning, training, and competiton. I love to compete. It's what I've done my whole life, strive to be the best. What better way than two dudes in the cage slugging it out to see who is the best.

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

Walel: My mom and dad always played a big role in my life because they always pushed me to be the best at whatever I did. Even if they didn't agree with me, they always told me be the best and were there to support me.

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

Walel: I love hanging out with my family, girlfriend, and friends. We barbeque all the time, whether at the beach, park, or at the house. We are a tight group that have came up together and we're all really family-oriented.

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

Walel: One thing about me that most people wouldn't know is that I'm super scared of spiders. Yeah, I'm a wuss. Want to fight about it?

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

Walel: I would be like Mr. Fantastic from the Fantastic Four. Then I could hit my opponent from the other side of the cage and wrap them up. (Laughs)

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Walel: My oldest memory is from when I was in third grade. There were seven or eight sixth graders picking on my friend. I probably should have kept my mouth shut like everyone else did but instead I yell out, "Why don't you pick on someone your own size?!" They took one look at me and I got jumped by them all. Instead of keeping quiet after my beating, I got up and said, "Is that all you got?" So, I got another beating. They were amazed that I took it and actually wanted to be my friends after that.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Walel Watson in the following places:

Official Walel Watson Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Walel-Gazelle-Watson/100000507801316

Official Walel Watson Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/135Gazelle

Walel Watson on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Walel-Watson-36403

Walel Watson Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/36403