10 Questions With Saad Awad (7/25/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Saad Awad (by Darrick Patrick)

Saad "The Assassin" Awad is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Bellator Fighting Championships, King Of The Cage, Colloseo Championship Fighting, Gladiator Challenge, and Titans Of The Pentagon. At the time of this interview, his latest match was against Diego Garijo in Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 10 on June 5th, 2009 and was awarded the Fight Of The Night honors.

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

Saad: Well, it all began when I was a freshman in high school. I was about a hundred and ten pounds, so I was too small to play football and I hated running track. So, I eventually found myself spending time in the wrestling room. It all just kind of went from there.

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

Saad: My father was the greatest influence that I had while I was growing up and he still is to this day. He has always told me that if I'm going to do something I have to do it one hundred percent, even if I didn't feel like I could do it.

Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?

Saad: If I'm doing two sessions, my first session will start at 6:30 a.m. with a two-mile run doing sprint intervals, followed by another hour of cardio work. My second session will then start at 4:00 p.m. at the gym. I start with a two hour run, spar for an hour, go outside for tire flipping, and then finally get back to the mat for Jiu-Jitsu/MMA training with my coach and teammates.

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

Saad: It's a fun sport - regardless if you are doing it for competition, to workout, or as a profession. I do have one bit of advice to share. If you're going to do it, give it your all. If not, you could get seriously hurt or end up losing a match.

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

Saad: Training really hard, even on the days when I'm not really feeling pumped. Also, coming out with the win is very fulfilling. That's one of the best feelings you can ever experience. There is also nothing like having your fans cheering you on and supporting you, especially through the difficult times.

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

Saad: I respect any mixed martial artist that has the guts to step into the cage and give it their all to win. I mainly respect my coach Franklin Aguirre though for all of his time that he has given to my teammates and I, as well as the motivation he instills in us.

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

Saad: I love to play video games, with Halo being my favorite. I also enjoy hanging out with my girlfriend, especially when I beat her at shuffleboard! (Laughs)

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Saad: The earliest memory I have is from when I was in kindergarten. I remember my teacher making me stand on a table because I was talking, then when she turned around I jumped off of the table and ran outside. I was a crazy kid.

Darrick: If you had superpowers, what would they be?

Saad: I would like to have Wolverine's healing factor because it pretty much makes him invincible. No one can stop him. No matter what you put him through, he always comes back.

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

Saad: I can get really lazy at times when it comes to training and cutting weight. Then I just remember that this is my dream though and I will stop at nothing to fulfill my dream.

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 Saad Awad in the following places:

Official Saad Awad Website:

http://www.saadawad.com

Official Saad Awad MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/saadawad

Saad Awad on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/saad-awad-15456

Saad Awad Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/15456