10 Questions With Tam Khan (2/28/2010)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Tam Khan (by Darrick Patrick)

Tam Khan is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Ultimate Warrior Challenge, Extreme Mixed Martial Arts Championships, and Ultimate Challenge UK events Dynamite, Relentless, and Fighting For Heroes. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against James Brasco in Xtreme Kombat League at XKL: Evolution 1 on March 20th, 2010.

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

Tam: Basically, I was an amateur boxer in my teens until I was around eighteen years old. Then, like most teens, I was distracted with women, the club scene, etc. and stopped sports totally until a friend of mine showed me a DVD of the UFC. I saw Royce Gracie and it totally caught my attention. From there I started to train with a local MMA fighter who started a small club and he was a Royce Gracie student, so it all just followed from there. I started to excel in grappling and merged my stand-up skills with the ground and it led me to becoming a mixed martial arts fighter.

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

Tam: My advice would be to take your time and train effectively, don't run before you can walk. Experience is also vital, so just keep active through competitions, semi-pro bouts, etc. Be sure to cross-train and train with those who are better than you. It helps a lot. Win or lose, just fight, gain experience, lose the ego and ease the pressure off your shoulders. Mental strength is more important than anything else in this game.

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

Tam: I respect all competitors who enter the ring or cage, to me that itself is an achievement, but individually Royce Gracie is my inspiration MMA-wise. Also, my coach Daniel Burzotta who taught me all that I know. They are role models for me and I aim to always match their accomplishments and gain their admiration. I will always remember those who made me what I am.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against James Brasco on March 20th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Tam: My fight with James Brasco will be a very tough fight. He has a high pedigree background in wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which makes this fight so interesting. A strong and powerful guy, I feel I'm more well-rounded with my boxing and think it will come down to conditioning and who wants to win more. For me, it's my first time fighting in the USA so I'm willing to die in that cage. He will have to kill me to win, I can tell you that much. Respect to him for taking the fight and may the best man win. I am excited.

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

Tam: The feedback from people. Nothing can compare to the feeling of when a fan contacts you and tells you that you're an inspiration. It makes you feel like what you're doing is right. Win or lose, to know you are doing what you love is a blessing. To know that you inspire others - well, that's a drive in itself. Especially in the UAE and Essex, I have a small following and it always lifts my spirits knowing that people are supporting my career.

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

Tam: In my personal life it has to be firstly God. I'm a Muslim and keeping myself close to God helps me stay focused and straight. It gives me discipline and teaches me how to respect all. Secondly is my mother, she is the one who raised me and gave me everything. Without her, I wouldn't be here. Every fight I dedicate to her and she is my motivation to win always.

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

Tam: I enjoy just spending time with family and close friends, as well as coaching in my academy in Dubai. I love teaching people and trying to give them the same opportunities that I have.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Tam: The oldest memory that I have is of my grandfather taking me to buy a pair of sandals while in Afghanistan when I was around three or four years old. Random, but true. All I remember was that he had huge hands and would spoil me a lot.

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

Tam: My great grandfather was a gold medalist in hockey in the Olympics during the early 20th century. I can not remember the year but we have the medal in our house and we are all very proud. A sporting family, you could say.

Darrick: When you're no longer amongst the living, how would you most like to be remembered?

Tam: I'd hope to be remembered as a fair and honest person who helped inspire people positively. To be honest though, as long as my loved ones remember me that will be good enough for 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 Tam Khan in the following places:

Official Tam Khan Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/tamkhan

Official Tam Khan Twitter Area:

http://twitter.com/tam_khan

Team T.S.G. Dubai MMA:

http://www.mmadubai.ae

Tam Khan on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Tam-Khan-29492

Tam Khan Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/29492