10 Questions With Harris Sarmiento (1/10/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Harris Sarmiento (by Darrick Patrick)

Harris "The Hitman" Sarmiento is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, International Fight League, King Of The Cage, Strikeforce, Gracie Proving Ground, Shakedown, X-1, World Fighting Alliance, Fury Full Contact Fighting, International Fighting & Boxing League, Icon Sport, Rumble On The Rock, Gladiator Challenge, Warriors Quest, SuperBrawl, Warriors Of The Ring, Kaos Fighting Championships, and Force Fighting Championships. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Billy Evangelista at PFC 12: High Stakes on January 22nd, 2009.

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

Harris: I didn't plan to be a MMA fighter, it just happened. I started training after high school and a friend asked me if I wanted to fight. I took the fight and for some reason I liked everything about it. The feeling it gave me and the hundreds of people shouting - I just felt like it was my destiny to be a fighter. I've been hooked on fighting ever since then.

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

Harris: The first time I ever saw Ronald Jhun fight in the SuperBrawl against Pete Spratt, it was my first time I ever saw a fight at the Blaisdell. After he knocked out Pete Spratt, I wanted to be just like him.

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

Harris: I think fighting the best out there in the MMA world brings out the best in me.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Billy Evangelista on January 22nd. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Harris: I don't really think of him as a threat. I've been through a lot of battles and wars with way better guys than him in my career. I don't think he's ever really faced someone that will test him.

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

Harris: If you really want to be a fighter, you have to make a lot of sacrifices. It's about how bad you want it and it's all up to you to follow your dreams. Only you can make it happen.

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

Harris: I respect all of the people out there fighting - they work really hard to get out there. Anybody that competes in the big shows deserves everything.

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

Harris: Well, there's not much to do here in Hawaii besides hang out at the beach and spend time with family and friends. During my free time, I like to help out at the gym with the kids and also help the up-and-comers get ready for fights.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Harris: I remember while growing up getting into a lot of fights during grade school. I got into a lot of trouble.

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

Harris: I was born in the Philippines.

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

Harris: I would want to live forever, I'd like to have superhuman strength, and also be the richest man on Earth. I wouldn't worry about anything else because I'd be the happiest person on the planet.

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 Harris Sarmiento in the following places:

Official Harris Sarmiento MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/run_um_hard808ff

Harris Sarmiento on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Harris-Sarmiento-4584

Harris Sarmiento Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/4584