10 Questions With Pat Barry (5/5/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Pat Barry (by Darrick Patrick)

Pat "Get Hype" Barry is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Combat USA. He is also a professional kickboxer and was a member of the New York Clash team in the World Combat League. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Tim Hague at UFC 98: Evans vs. Machida on May 23rd, 2009.

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

Pat: I've been a ninja ever since I was a kid. I never did Karate or anything like that, I was a gymnast as a kid and on the bowling team in high school. I started kickboxing while in college as a hobby and quickly got good at it. I kickboxed all over the place and eventually ended up in K-1. After a few years of living and training in Amsterdam, I hit a brick wall. I moved back home, spoke to Duke Roufus, and he asked me about making the switch over to MMA. I said, "Sure, let's give it a try" and it's been escalating ever since then.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Tim Hague on May 23rd. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Pat: Tim Hague is a really big guy with a very hard head. He can strike, wrestle, and has a good ground game. To everyone's surprise, he's also a lot bigger than I am. That's okay though, this is going to be a fight between speed and power.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people within combat sports that you highly respect?

Pat: Mike Tyson, Peter Aerts, Ernesto Hoost, Sagat, and Randy Couture because they are the best at what they do.

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

Pat: The continual test that I give myself every day. There is nothing easier than staying in bed, but there is a sense of fulfillment after giving yourself a simulated heart attack. (Laughs) It's a test because everything we do is all up to us. No one can make me do a thing except myself. It's all a choice to run, to punch, and to sweat. Convincing myself to do that is very powerful.

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

Pat: Train hard, push yourself to the edge, cross that edge, and keep going another few feet. Comfort kills, discomfort is where life exists. Break out of your circle and leave your comfort zone. Anything is possible, but it's all up to you. You decide your level of greatness.

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

Pat: My mom was and still is the greatest and biggest influence in my life. She's the reason that I can push the limit and go beyond. She's my world and my own personal superhero. Also, all of my friends, family, and Duke as well since I'm still growing now.

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

Pat: I'm a movie fanatic and I love to eat. I'm from New Orleans, so food is a major part of my upbringing and everyday life. Heavyweight!

Darrick: What moments in your life have you been proudest of so far?

Pat: Reaching the K-1 and UFC levels of competitive fighting is pretty big. I also love being able to give a little bit back to the ones who have helped me get to where I am.

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

Pat: I can't sleep unless I blindfold myself.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Pat: When I was a kid in Columbia, my family would go to a beach community on the weekends. After spending time at the beach, we would ride scooters to a village at the top of a mountain where we would have dinner and listen to music. There was an old homeless guy who always sat in the same corner. He called me over one time and held his hand out towards me. He took an old comb from his shirt pocket and moved it back and forth on his thumb like a saw. Afterwards, he put his hands together and took his thumb off! I was five years old at the time. That trick scared the shit out of me.

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 Pat Barry in the following places:

Official Pat Barry MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/hypeordie

Pat Barry on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Patrick-Barry-33342

Pat Barry Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/33342