10 Questions With Jim Alers (5/3/2012)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Jim Alers (by Darrick Patrick)

Jim Alers is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Cage Warriors Fighting Championship, Ultimate Alliance Fights, Complete Devastation MMA, Art of Fighting, and Real Fighting Championships. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Matteus Lahdesmaki in Cage Warriors Fighting Championship at Cage Warriors Fight Night 6 on May 24th, 2012.

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

Jim: My path to mixed martial arts started with me getting into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after I was done with wrestling in high school. I never planned on fighting but my fiancée told me, "You are in the gym all the time! You better try and fight." So, I tried MMA...so far, so good.

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

Jim: If you are going to get into the sport of mixed martial arts, you need to be ready to make a lot of sacrifices. All the foods that you love, partying, drinking, time with friends, etc. You have to be willing to give up a lot of that.

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

Jim: Frankie Edgar shows amazing heart when he fights and I feel that is one of the most important aspects of fighting. You can't teach someone to have a lot of heart. I also like Jose Aldo because he is a bad ass.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Matteus Lahdesmaki on May 24th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Jim: I believe that this next fight is my toughest fight yet. He is the most experienced fighter that I have fought. I think it will be an exciting, fast-paced match. Keep your eyes open because if you look away there is a good chance you can miss the ending.

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

Jim: Being out there in front of all the screaming fans is a high that no drug can probably ever replicate. It is what keeps me coming back for more.

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

Jim: My parents are both very hard workers and through them I learned that nothing comes easy. Also, my mentor and one of my sponsors, Hank Porcher has been there for me through thick and thin. I feel I learned how to be a man through him.

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

Jim: I'm actually a certified elementary school teacher and love to read. I would like to one day write and illustrate my own children's book.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Jim: My oldest memory would have to be living in a two-bedroom apartment as a child with my parents, two brothers, and sisters. That was fun. I have a bad memory really, I guess I've been punched too many times.

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

Jim: I hate the taste of coconut. I will spit out anything that has that awful stuff in it. Other than that, I would eat anything.

Darrick: If you had 24 hours left to live, how would you spend that time?

Jim: This past year, my best friend was taken away from me in a murder. Through that I learned that there is nothing more important than time with friends and family. If I had twenty-four hours left to live, I would love to just spend the whole day at the beach with loved ones.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Jim Alers in the following places:

Official Jim Alers Website:

http://www.fightjim.com

Official Jim Alers Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/alers

Official Jim Alers MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/fightjimfight

Official Jim Alers Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/fightjim

Jim Alers on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Jim-Alers-36581