“Don’t blink” says Daron Cruickshank, an exclusive interview.

 
Daron Cruickshank will be making his RIZIN debut at “Top Presents RIZIN.1” on April 17th at the Nippon Gaishi Hall in Aichi against former Shooto Pacific rim title holder, Shinji Sasaki. Growing up in a martial arts family and practicing martials since the day he can remember, Daron talks about his mind set on when he steps into the ring…
—We have learned that both your parents were Martial artists. When did you start practicing martial arts?
I ever sense I could remember I was in the gym practicing martial arts. My parents had a dojo when I was young. Fighting is the family business.
—What was the reason behind choosing Wrestling and Tae kwon Do?
I started wrestling in grade school and fell in love with it. I wrestled all the way through college. Tae Kwon do was one of my first arts because my parents were teaching it at the time I was growing up.
—When did you start focusing on becoming a Mixed martial artist?
After my last college wrestling tournament I knew I wanted to start fighting.
—Do you remember your first MMA fight? What was going through your head at the time?
Too me it felt like all the other competition I have done in wrestling. But now I get to punch and kick people.
—What is your motto as a Mixed martial artist.
If the fans blink just one time during my fight. They will miss the knock out that I’m about to give.
—What kind of mindset are you in when stepping in the cage/ring?
I have the mind set as a fierce competitors. If he hits me I’ll break something of his. If he tries to take me down I’ll stuff his shot. If he makes any mistakes I’ll knock him out.
—What is your workout atmosphere like?
Train hard every day like my life depends on it.
—Which fighter do you look up to?
Growing up watching MMA I was a huge fan of Matt Hughes.
—Have you seen the RIZIN event from last year’s NYE?
Yes I did. It was a great show and I’m excited to fight for RIZIN.
—RIZIN’s platform is a ring instead of a cage. Have you ever competed in a ring before, and have you been working on adapting to fighting in a ring?
Ring or cage it doesn’t matter what you put me in. I will destroy anyone that is in front of me.
—You have had some disappointing losses in your recent fights, what do you the reasons are?
I do have losses in my career. But they are against some of the best fighters in the world. Show me someone who is undefeated and I’ll show you that they have fought terds.
—What are your thoughts on your opponent Shinji Sasaki?
From my research he is a very tough opponent. I am greatly appreciative for this opportunity to showcase my skills on his face.
—What kind of fight do you want to show?
If you have any knowledge of who I am and what I’m all about. Then you know I’m looking for an exciting fight for the fans and me knocking him out in the end.
—Message to the fans please.
If you blink, you will miss all the excitement.