10 Questions With Dustin Jacoby (10/16/2011)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Dustin Jacoby (by Darrick Patrick)

Dustin Jacoby is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Capital City Cage Wars, Annihilation Productions, Xtreme Fighting Organization, and Disorderly Conduct. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Brad Tavares in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC 137: St-Pierre vs. Condit on October 29th, 2011.

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

Dustin: It is kind of funny how my MMA career all started. It actually began long before I ever knew what mixed martial arts was all about. At the age of four, my twin brother and I started Tae Kwon Do. By the age of five years old, we were wrestling too. When we turned twelve, we moved from Colorado to Illinois and the school district we moved to didn't offer either sport. So, I began playing other sports such as basketball, football, and baseball.

I later went on to play four years of college football before moving into MMA shortly after, without ever watching a UFC event, or even a cage fight for that matter. The real journey started when my brother called me one Saturday afternoon and said, "What's up bro?! I'm getting in a fight tonight!" The rest is history.

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

Dustin: I would have to say my entire family. From my grandpa and grandma Jacoby, to my uncle Doug, to my mom and step-dad, and most importantly my twin brother, Darren Jacoby. Darren and I were brought up to be hard-working, respectful kids who learned how to listen and work hard for the things we wanted most in life. With Darren and I being twins, nobody pushed us as hard as we pushed ourselves. I am the older twin, so I've always had that sense of responsibility between the two of us. Darren has also always subconsciously brought out the best in me.

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

Dustin: The single most important thing to remember is Rome wasn't built in a day. What I mean by that is these days everybody wants to be a UFC fighter, but they don't want to take the time to put in the needed work it takes to become such a high level fighter. It takes several months, and even years, of hard work every day to mold your skills into what they need to be in order to compete at a high level, or to even compete at all. If you want something bad enough, then you must take the time to put in the hard work it takes to be where you want to be. Work hard and never give up on your dreams.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Brad Tavares on October 29th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Dustin: I believe this is a perfect match-up for me in my UFC debut. Brad Tavares is a very tough dude, and I believe he will bring the best out in me. I know he is a striker first, and that is going to play very well into my game plan and what I bring to the table. With that being said, I realize Brad and I are both mixed martial artists. We are going to be prepared to go wherever the fight takes us.

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

Dustin: The single thing I love most about martial arts is the competition between one man and another. Competition breeds success. When you have two men locked in a cage who are willing to do whatever it takes to beat the other, I don't think there is anything else quite like it in the world. It is an opportunity to showcase your skills, as well as to show just how hard you've been working in and outside of the gym.

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

Dustin: As I mentioned in a previous answer, I had never even watched a single fight until about three years ago. I have obviously learned a lot about the sport within the last three years, but I haven't followed it long enough to have certain individuals I look up to or respect. I'd have to say Dana White is the man I respect the most. He really is the guy that made MMA and the UFC what it is today. Without his drive and desire to build the sport like he has, I don't think I would be fighting today.

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

Dustin: I've competed my whole life, so I am a huge sports fan. I love anything that has to do with competition. Hanging out with friends, going on vacations, lifting weights, fishing, fantasy football, and spending time with my beautiful girlfriend of almost four years are some things I do on a regular basis.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Dustin: I'd have to say my oldest memory is winning the Colorado State Youth Wrestling tournament for the very first time. I did it twice. I remember my first year of wrestling I took third place and couldn't wait to hit the mats the next year. In the state championship bout, I remember wrestling this kid who was extremely cocky. He kept telling everyone how good he was and how he had placed second in the Tulsa Nationals, a tournament in which he had sixty-four kids in his bracket. He started the match very tough but as soon as I hip tossed him straight onto his back, he started crying and I pinned him within seconds of the opening frame. Talk about a celebration.

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

Dustin: Every single night of my life, just before falling asleep, I say the same prayer my mom and my grandma taught my brother and I when we were little. Afterwards, I share several words with God and I thank him for everything he has provided for me in my life. At the end of every single day, it reminds me just how blessed I truly am.

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

Dustin: I want to be remembered as a very positive person. A guy that was able to get along with anyone and everyone, who put a smile on your face as big as the one you would often see on mine. A person that people could look up to and trust.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://www.myspace.com/darrickpatrick/blog/343519835

You can also check out Dustin Jacoby in the following places:

Official Dustin Jacoby Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/dustin.jacoby

Official Dustin Jacoby Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/dustinjacobydj

Dustin Jacoby on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Dustin-Jacoby-73825