Name: Pat Casey
Age: 26
Height: 5ft 8in
Fight Weight: 155, 170 and 185
School: Team Link
Record:MMA 5-1
City/State Born: Born and raised in Springfield, Ma.
1. When and Why did you get into MMA??
I started seriously pursuing MMA in the fall of 2014. I've always loved all forms of fighting. It has always an interest of mine but I was a serious football player. I just started playing at AIC when my daughter was born and I realized going to school full time, playing football full time, working full time and being a full time father wasn't going to be realistic . So I stop playing but I told myself once I get a stable job and stable schedule I was going to turn my athletic focus to MMA. Specifically I told myself while sitting in a dorm at AIC, that I was going to turn myself into the best fighter in the world LOL. I had no real combat sports experience but I just believed I was born to do this so I started to pursue it.
2. Did you have a background in martial arts, boxing , wrestling etc prior to being a licensed in MA?
I had no prior experience.
3. What's your nickname, how did you get it?
My nickname is the Gorilla Ninja. It's an accurate description of my freakish strength while still being very agile, quick and flexible LOL
4. How did you get into the sport of MMA?
A former football coach of mine who is a wrestling coach Darby McLaughlin did some wrestling with mma guys he told me to come by the gym. I met mma trainer Jason Franklin who later brought me to Marco Alvan at Team Link.
5. Can you tell us something about your supporters and why they believe you should be a Mixed Martial Artist?
I have a very good fan base and anyone who grew up with me says MMA seems to have been made for you. I have strong ties to this area especially the city of Springfield I currently work at Central high school and I was born and raised in Springfield so they are 100% behind me.
6. What are your ultimate goals in the sport?
My goal is to be A UFC world Champion and one of the biggest names in the sport.
7. What does your family think of your passion for combat sports? Do you have children? Are they involved in the martial arts? Do you have a spouse or significant other? What role do they play in helping you prepare for combat?
Most of my family loves it my mother, grandmother and daughter don't watch me fight live but they support(I don't let my daughter go). My girlfriend Manuela is very supportive of my dreams. She's big when it comes to my nutrition and she does most of my cooking
8. What do you think about your next opponent?
My next opponent seems like a well rounded guy. I'll be prepared for everything and anything he can do.
9. If you had the ability to change anything about the sport what would it be?
I'd change the ridiculous culture of extreme weight cutting.
I'm prepared for anything. I've shown I can go the distance as well as get early Knock outs. I see me winning in whatever manner is necessary.
11. Can you describe for us what it is like to discipline yourself as you prepare to make weight and develop or improve skill sets before fight night? Do you feel like your team plays a significant role in that discipline?
I've always been a very disciplined guy when it comes to competing. It's what I live for so the discipline is no problem and I enjoy it. I know what I have to do so I do it. I don't need hand holding or external motivation although my team and family do inspire me and keep my spirits high.
12. In your time as a competitor what stands out to you most when a promotion offers you a bout? Have you ever turned down a potential match? If so why? Could you offer the up and coming combatants any advice in these situations?
Honestly I take almost any fight . I've turned down one due to the weight being too low for me to make and one other because of my personal relationship with the opponent offered. My advice is only you know when you're ready and what weight you're comfortable fighting .
13. For your last fight what measures did you take to ensure a victory? Did you crosstrain? If so, who with?
I train mostly with my guys and that's how I like it. I worked my ass off like I do for every fight.
14 Anyone locally or in the big's that you really would love to fight, and why?
Nobody particular, maybe McGregor one day in the Boston Garden on St. Pattys day think of the numbers LOL
15. What do you feel is your best weapon in your fights?
My will to win and disdain of losing
16. What is your favorite foods that you miss while cutting weight??
Giant buckets of pasta lol
17. What is your most memorable moment to date in MMA??
My 1 min 7 sec. Ko at Mohegan Sun. Getting stopped by everyone walking around the Casino that night was cool.
18. How else do you spend your time when you are not training?
I'm either working, training or spending time with my daughter.
Huge shout out to my coaches Hector Arvelo, Marco Alvan, my manager Dan Hagan, my family and every member of the Jungle( what I call my fan base)