10 Questions With Steve O'Keeffe (2/9/2012)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Steve O'Keeffe (by Darrick Patrick)

Steve "The Spartan" O'Keeffe is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Cage Warriors Fighting Championship, Bushido Lithuania, Adrenalin FC, and Ultimate Challenge MMA. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Conor McGregor in Cage Warriors Fighting Championship at CWFC 45 on February 18th, 2012.

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

Steve: I had competed in Taekwondo from a young age. I moved from London to Kent and there wasn't anywhere to carry on with Taekwondo. I started to play semi-professional/professional football. I had some big opportunities, but it never really interested me. I started a MMA/BJJ club two years ago and haven't looked back since.

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

Steve: My advice would be that if you really think you have what it takes, then go for it. Before anything else, you need to believe in yourself. You don't want to be one of those people that looks back on life and says, "I could have been a champion."

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

Steve: I am a fan of the humble fighter. There are a few people that I have a lot of respect for. One of them is a fighter named Rad Martinez. His story is touching and he works so hard to make it to the top. Sometimes if I don't feel like training, I think about it and he springs to mind. That guy has it hard and is doing so well. If you don't know the story, check it out.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Conor McGregor on February 18th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Steve: I can't wait for this fight. It's going to be a real good test against a great opponent. We are both ready to go at it and show the world what we are made of. Hopefully the guys from the UFC will be watching and taking notes for the future.

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

Steve: I love martial arts because I feel you can never stop learning. That's why I love Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu so much.

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

Steve: My parents were a massive influence on my life. I lived in a very bad area of London, so keeping me on the right path in life had to have been hard for them. I have always looked up to my brother most of all and he is one of my biggest fans.

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

Steve: The only interest I really have other than MMA is my family. I'm a simple man. As long as I earn enough money to make my girlfriend and my baby happy, I'm happy. Spending time with them is very important to me.

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

Steve: I would love to have the power to read people's minds. It would make fighting in the cage a lot easier. (Laughs)

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

Steve: I gave up a £70,000 a year job to be successful in mixed martial arts. I had to change my lifestyle a lot, but that wasn't an issue at all.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Steve: I think my oldest memory is playing with my brother as a baby.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Steve O'Keeffe in the following places:

Official Steve O'Keeffe Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/passionevents

Official Steve O'Keeffe Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/stevethespartan

Steve O'Keeffe on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Steve-OKeefe-66373