i just got this interview off myspace (he's said on his myspace that he's left team quest):
Q&A With The Rock
There are not too many guys who can undergo a major back surgery and be quarry.jpgback to training in a mere six months. You can count Nate "The Rock" Quarry as one of the exceptions. After sitting out 2006, the Team Quest product is looking forward to a new year and fighting his way back up to the top.
I had a chance to conduct a Q&A with Nate, discussing how he began in MMA, his training partners, and even some random political questions.
RS: You recently underwent a rather large surgery on your back. How did the surgery go, and how is the recovery process?
Quarry: I had what is known as an XLIF, basically a spinal fusion on two vertabrae using a very advanced technique. The surgery went great and I'm back to training at full speed six months after.
RS: You started training at 24, and had your first professional fight at 29. What got you involved in MMA at this stage in your life?
Quarry: The American dream! Getting drunk at a party, seeing the UFC on TV and wanting to beat the crap out of my drinking buddies. True story!
RS: You train with Team Quest, one of the more respected and well-rounded teams in MMA. Who specifically do you train with on any given day?
Quarry: We've got a very deep room for training partners. Some regulars are Matt Lindland, Eddie Herman, Chris Leban, Ryan Schultz, Chris Wilson, basically the whole Wolf Pack team, then quite a few up and comers such as Mike Dolce, John Khron and on and on. Plus you never know who may show up for a week or two.
RS: Diego Sanchez and Mike Swick, both TUF alums, have gone undefeated in the UFC, yet still don't find respect because of their TUF roots. Being from the same show, do you feel this label is applied to you as well?
Quarry: I wonder who isn't giving them respect? I know it's none of their peers. I have no respect for those that diminish anyone's accomplishments in any field. Better to fall short of lofty goals than wonder “what if” all through your life. Take Diego as a prime example, he's developing a who's who list of victories. Whether you love him or hate him, he delivers. No one in the 170- pound class is looking past him, that's for sure.
RS: Randy Couture just announced he's coming out of retirement to face the UFC Heavyweight Champ, Tim Sylvia. What are your thoughts on Randy's return?
Quarry: I wish Randy all the best. Apollo Creed said it well, "We're too young to retire!" You have to follow your heart.
quarry2.jpgRS: Outside of MMA, what else do you take an interest in?
Quarry: Really, training takes up most of my time but what it doesn't is usually spent with my little girl. No matter what's happening in my life I always let her know she's my priority. I feel that being a parent is the most important thing a person can do and if everyone took the time to teach their children, the world would be a better place.
RS: Before becoming a fighter, did you have any other aspirations in life?
Quarry: Not really. I didn't know enough about life to even understand what it was like to set a goal and achieve it. Reading really opened my eyes. It's a way to transport yourself to another life and see different and perhaps better ways to live your life.
RS: If you had to pick one entrance song, what would it be?
Quarry: That's easy. Shut 'em Down by Public Enemy. Never would've guessed that, huh?
RS: What do you think is the greatest problem facing the United States?
Quarry: Corruption in politics.
RS: If you were President, give me the first couple items on Nate Quarry's political agenda.
Quarry: First, figure out Iraq. Keep our people from dying over there. Second, get our people off oil. We use so much oil, it's ridiculous. The technology is there people! But we are held hostage by the lobbyists for oil and auto companies. Go rent the movie "Who Killed The Electric Car?" How these people can sleep at night is beyond me. Good God man, how many billions in profits does your company need to make every year while we destroy the atmosphere and rape the people at $3 a gallon? When will some CEO say, "You know what? We have enough money. Let's try changing things for the better for a change." Go get that movie. It reminds me of the bumper sticker that reads, "If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention."
All right, I'm off my soapbox now. Next time ask me about the Simpsons or something.
RS: (laughs) Thanks for taking time out of your schedule for this interview Nate. Would you like to say anything to your fans in closing?
Quarry: Thanks for all your support even through this time where all I've been doing is healing up. It's you guys and the sponsors that have stepped up and made it possible for me to follow my dream. And check out
www.yokd.com (very cool gear) and
www.metabolicadaptation.com for supplements that will change your workout intensity and recovery, believe it or not.
And stay tuned, 2007 is going to be a great year, for all of us!
Nathan "Rock" Quarry
www.nathanquarry.com
