10 Questions With Anita Rodriguez (4/17/2012)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Anita Rodriguez (by Darrick Patrick)

Anita "El Tigre" Rodriguez is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as King of the Cage, Xtreme Fighting League, C3 Fights, Bully Bash and Brawl, and South Texas Fighting Championships. At the time of this interview, her next scheduled match is against Jessica Eye in Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 66 on April 20th, 2012.

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

Anita: It was actually my father who started me on this path. He knew I loved to fight and heard about this sport because he knew a trainer. So, he called me up one day asking if I wanted to fight professionally and get paid for it. Of course I jumped on the offer and here I am six years later. I was off for two years because God blessed me with my daughter, but now I’m ready to head full force with my all and my daughter by my side.

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

Anita: The words of advice that I have is, "Train! Train! Train!" Mixed martial arts is not easy, you must have self-control and be very dedicated. You can’t rush into this sport and expect to come out on top. Also, you absolutely cannot fear the cage. It must become like your second home. Especially to all my fellow female MMA fighters, I wish you all the best of luck. It's time for us to emerge and conquer. See you in the cage!

Darrick: Who is someone in the sport that you highly respect?

Anita: Hands down, no questions asked, Cris Cyborg. I love her style and technique of fighting. She is strong, fast, and powerful in all aspects of ground and pound. I enjoy watching her fight. I just hope I am as good as her one day.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Jessica Eye on April 20th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Anita: This one will be a very entertaining fight. Most definitely will be pound for pound. She has speed, where I have power. My coach has trained me hard. I am prepared and ready, as I am sure she is too. May the best fighter win.

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

Anita: The most fulfillment I get is from winning, of course. Most of all through that is to be recognized though. I love to hear my name called, with my hand raised after the fight, and listening to the crowd cheering for me.

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

Anita: The people who have influenced me while growing up would have to be my brothers and my sister. My older brother Eddie “Jr” because he used to beat me up all the time and I wanted to get stronger to get him back. My younger sister Theresa “Nae” would always encourage me and help me stay on track. My younger brother Anthony “Tony” (R.I.P.) was my instigator. He was always bringing me new opponents to fight, which kept me on my toes.

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

Anita: I love to dance, spend time with my daughter, and hang out with my family. There is nothing better than playing with my daughter and spending time with my significant other.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Anita: The one that comes to mind is when my brother Eddie was fighting an older and stronger guy. Needless to say, it wasn't going in my brother's favor. My other brother Tony and I jumped in without hesitation. We had each other's back and always will.

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

Anita: Hmmm, there are a lot of things people don't know about me. Just to open myself up a bit though, I lost my baby brother Anthony "Tony" Yanez back on December 21st, 2011. He was only twenty years old and just starting to live. (I love and miss you. Forever in my heart you will remain.)

Darrick: If you had three wishes, what would they be?

Anita: The first wish would be to bring my baby brother back because nothing is the same without him. His little girls need him the most. My second wish is to become the championship belt holder for Strikeforce. It's my ultimate goal for myself. It proves hard work and determination pays off. The third wish is to become financially stable so I can provide the best I can for my daughter. I want to try and give her all that I didn't have while growing up.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Anita Rodriguez in the following places:

Official Anita Rodriguez Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/anitaer1

Anita Rodriguez on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Anita-Rodriguez-48244