10 Questions With Jeff Hougland (8/27/2008)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Jeff Hougland (by Darrick Patrick)

Jeff Hougland is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, Gladiator Challenge, Ultimate Athlete, and the International Fighting Championship.

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

Jeff: I was fighting Muay Thai for a few years and got an offer to fight in MMA.

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

Jeff: Nick Diaz - the guy gets bashed on the internet, but he is a world class fighter. I fought in an IFC show years ago and watched Nick in his second fight battle Chris Lytle. The fight was an all-out war. Nick won a split decesion, I believe. If you can find that fight, watch it. It's great.

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

Jeff: I love the grind and just training every day, sharpening my tools. I like doing something that scares me.

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

Jeff: Find a gym where you are pushed. If you're the toughest cat at the gym, find a new one. Train with everyone.

Darrick: Where could you possibly see the future of the sport ten years from now?

Jeff: I see more athletes and genetic freaks coming out now that the money is increasing. With people cross-training from a young age, the level of competition will only get better.

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

Jeff: My pops - we didn't always get along 'cause I was a hoodlum, but he taught me about hard work. He raised four kids, worked, and went to college. If I can be half as successful as my dad, I'd be happy.

Darrick: Outside of martial arts, what are your other interests?

Jeff: I like watching my kid play sports, I love to take naps, and I watch a lot of movies and old TV shows.

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

Jeff: I have a rebuilt eye socket and a metal plate in my arm. Good times!

Darrick: If you were stuck in the middle of an ocean with only three items, what would they be?

Jeff: Shark repellent 'cause I'm scared as hell of sharks, a dry suit so I can stay warm, and a satellite phone - so I can call for a ride.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Jeff: That's hard, because high school erased most of those. I remember my dad taking me to see The Empire Strikes Back. Afterwards, he took me to Benos (a store back in the day) and bought me a Lando Calrissian action figure.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Jeff Hougland in the following places:

Official Jeff Hougland MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/upunchipunch

Jeff Hougland on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Jeff-Hougland-4870

Jeff Hougland Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/4870/