10 Questions With Junior Assuncao (3/25/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Junior Assuncao (by Darrick Patrick)

Junior Assuncao is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Full Throttle, American Fight League, and International Sport Combat Federation. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Kamrin Naville at King Of The Cage: Invincible on March 27th, 2009.

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

Junior: First we moved to the United States when I was twelve and then I started training when I was thirteen. I did Capoeira, which is a Brazilian martial art. When I was seventeen, I began doing Jiu-Jitsu here in Atlanta with Master Jacaré from Team Alliance. I guess it was pretty natural for me to switch to MMA since I have been training and fighting my whole life. I love what I do!

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

Junior: There are a lot of people that I really respect within mixed martial arts. My brothers, my old teacher Jacaré, Randy Couture, and many others for all that they have done for this awesome sport to make me so proud to be a part of it.

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

Junior: The lifestyle is great. The way a martial artist lives is so different than any other athlete, from the way we train to the way we recover from injuries.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Kamrin Naville on March 27th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Junior: Well, I'm fighting in King Of The Cage in a couple of days and it's the first time they've come to Atlanta, so I'm proud to be able to add that to my fighting resume. The guy I'm matched up against is just another guy like many others I've been in battle with - nothing different for me. I do respect everyone that I fight though.

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

Junior: Find a quality gym that you can settle into and build your confidence. Tell the professor your intentions in the sport and where it is you want to get to. Like I tell my boys here, "There is no secret, just show up!" (Laughs)

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

Junior: My grandfather, he was in the army in Brazil. I love him very much!

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

Junior: I love to spend time with my friends and family. I enjoy running, swimming, and I also like to shoot my gun. (Laughs)

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Junior: Wow, you got me there! Well, I can say that my past was great. We lived on the beach in Brazil in an awesome town with good food and good people. That's all I can say really - I miss home.

Darrick: If you had 24 hours left to live, how would you spend that time?

Junior: With my kids on a deserted beach somewhere in Brazil.

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

Junior: Outside of competing, I'm also a huge fan of the sport. Also, I'm the nicest guy in the world - outside of the cage. Last but not least, I really value my family and friends.

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 Junior Assuncao in the following places:

Official Junior Assuncao MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/jrassuncao

Ascension Mixed Martial Arts:

http://www.ascensionmma.com

Junior Assuncao on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Junior-Assuncao-10380

Junior Assuncao Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/10380

[NWOWolfpack]

Master Jacaré?

[DarrickPatrick]

Pretty sure he's referring to Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti