I’m honoured to be interviewing SSGT Laria Corney of the US Air Force who happens to be a huge MMA fan. He took time out of his busy schedule to get this interview done so lets get started.
DaSilvaMMA: First off on behalf of all Canadians and Americans I want to thank you for being a part of the military and protecting us.
Laria: Thank you for having me. It is a pleasure and an honour to serve in the greatest branch of service; the United States Air Force. I am proud to serve my country everyday.
DaSilvaMMA: September 11 had an effect on everyone. I understand that you were in Saudi Arabia at the time of the attacks. What effect did 9/11 have on you?
Laria: When I saw what was happening on television, it shocked me. The live events shook me to my core. I was thinking to myself, “Am I witnessing this as it is occurring?” Unfortunately I was. 9/11 made me proud to be an american serving my country with dignity, honour and respect for not only my friends but for my other brothers and sisters that are serving in various other branches in the service. It made me have a stronger sense of patriotism and to learn to never, ever take things for granted because they can be taken away from you in the blink of an eye.
DaSilvaMMA: How long have you been serving in the military and what made you decide to serve?
Laria: I have been serving for 10 years now. I enlisted in December 1999. I just passed my ten year mark on this last deployment before coming back home on February 5th of this year. What made me decide to serve was the fact that I wanted to do more with my life. I was raised by my mother who was a prison guard in an all male prison facility in Houston, Texas where I grew up. It was just me and her; she had to play the role of mother and father for me and I respect her and love her 100%. I am a momma’s boy. I admit it. LOL. I am proud of that fact. Without her love and support in my life, I wouldn’t be where I am at today and I wouldn’t be the man that I am.
DaSilvaMMA: LOL I was raised by raised by a single Mom for half my life and I turned out alright. Single Moms make their kids stronger. Agree or Disagree?
Laria: It would be better to have a two parent system but if you have to be raised, be raised by a single mom. That is my opinion.
DaSilvaMMA: Couldn’t agree more Laria. What do you say we talk some MMA. How long have you been a fan?
Laria: I have been a fan for only a couple of years now. The reason why I say only a couple of years is because I used to watch WWF/WWE. That fake pro wrestling bs. My roommates used to watch UFC ppvs and I didnt get into it until I was on one of my deployments to Iraq in the fall of 2008. I watched every ppv that year with the exception of UFN 17 in 2009. Also there was a Air Force service member who was into MMA and actually fought before who showed me some grappling and submission moves. Ever since then, I have been hooked.
DaSilvaMMA: Every fan has a certain fight that got them hooked onto MMA. Personally Tito vs Chuck 1 at UFC 47 got me onto the sport. What fight was it that made you want to watch MMA?
Laria: I would have to say the Brock Lesnar vs Randy Couture fight in November 2008 as well as GSP vs BJ Penn(UFC 94). Those are my top two fights that got me really serious into Mixed Martial Arts. Number 3 would be to finally see Fedor fight against Andrei Arlovski at Affliction in January of 2009.
DaSilvaMMA: You are an armed forces vet that has gone over to Iraq. Would you ever step in the cage?
Laria: I am an armed forces vet. I may not have been in the front lines with the marines, navy seals or the army who are the true ground pounders but I have served non the less. Yes I would step into the cage and fight on the amateur level and then professional once my coaches/trainers and teammates think I am ready to take that next step. I give all of the respect to anyone, whether they are man or woman who steps into that cage. They are my heroes because they are doing this not for the fame, money or women but because they love to fight and entertain the fans. That is what makes them special in my eyes.
DaSilvaMMA: If given the chance to train at any camp which would you choose?
Laria: Since I am moving to Florida, I would love to train at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida. ATT is one of the best fighter camps in the country today. I would also love to train at Greg Jackson’s camp as well. But I am open to fighting anywhere with anyone and to be coached by anyone. I want to be the best and train with the best.
DaSilvaMMA: Why do you want to get into MMA?
Laria: The reason why I want to get into MMA is to test myself physically and mentally. I have such a passion and respect for this sport and respect and admiration for anyone that steps into the ring or cage. If I commit myself to something, I commit myself to it 100% and I give it my all.
DaSilvaMMA: Looking forward to someday watching you fight. Thanks for taking time to do this interview Laria. Got anyone you want to thank? Where can people contact you if they have more questions?
Laria: I just want to thank my fellow men and women of the armed forces that are serving around the world and at home stations in the United States and to the people that support what we do. You all give me the strength to continue fighting for this great country of ours. If people have any questions they can look me up on twitter, facebook and myspace. I answer all messages that people send me if they have a question and I am open and honest with my responses. I tell it like it is and i dont hold anything back. Links are www.twitter.com/MMAFAN4LIFE www.myspace.com/sexyssgt and my looking for me on facebook: Laria Corney.
