Monday, October 19, 2015

10 Questions With Mark Cherico



 






I should have got around to this interview/article awhile back. I have been a fan of Mark Cherico for a long time. I have been telling people that the Central/Western Pennsylvania MMA scene is strong... and Mark is one of the main reasons this is true. The "Pride of Bloomfield" was 9 - 0 as an amateur(holding titles with 4 promotions)  before turning pro. He is currently 8 - 1 as a professional with one title. Cherico will be fighting this weekend for Gladiators of the cage against Nate Landwehr for the GOTC Featherweight title. According to Tapology, Mark is ranked #3 for Pennsylvania Featherweights (#4 for Bantamweights) and #7 for US Northeast Featherweights. (#5 for Bantamweights)

I have known about Mark since 2011 when he fought at NAAFS Rock N Rumble 5 as an amateur. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing him fight live, but thanks to StandThemUp & NAAFSTV on YouTube I have been able to follow his fight career.

For a long time I have been saying that Mark would definitely be one of the Pennsylvania fighters to make it to the UFC, but sadly that doesn't seem to be in Mark's future... because recently Cherico announced on his Facebook page that this fight at GOTC 19 will be his last fight. I understand his reasoning, but (in my opinion) this is a shame, because Mark is someone I believe has the ability to compete with the very best fighters the UFC has on its current roster at either Bantamweight (135 lbs) or Featherweight. (145 lbs)

But before he says a final goodbye to fighting, you have one last opportunity to see this exciting fighter in action. If you are anywhere near Pittsburgh this weekend, I highly suggest you get out to Cheswick, PA for the fights, but if you can't be there live you can watch the live stream at Gladiators Of The Cage 

 While I will be sad to not see mark be an active part of the Pennsylvania MMA scene, I wish him the very best in whatever he chooses to do next. Recently I had the privilege of asking Mark a few questions... here is 10 Questions With mark Cherico.



 
1. Tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Mark Cherico. I am 29 years young. I fight in the featherweight division (145), I held 4 amateur titles for (Brawlroom, Rocktagon, Cage of Chaos & NAAFS) & also currently hold 1 but hopefully soon to be 2 Pro Titles. Currently The PinnacleFC Featherweight Champion. I'm from Pittsburgh's Lil Italy aka Bloomfield. I represent Fight Club Pittsburgh & Pridelands Pittsburgh.

2. How did you get started in MMA?

I started MMA just by chance. I had been watching it online for quite sometime when one day I was sitting on my porch and a neighbor Mike Colamarino walked by and he had a gear bag with him. We got to talking & he told me he trained in MMA. I asked him to work with me so we started that night. After a few weeks with him in my garage he sent me to train under Donnie Kaecher at PTT Fight Team. From there I trained and started to take fights.

3. What do you feel your strengths are as a fighter? 

I feel my biggest strength is that I'm always looking to improve. I'm never satisfied with my skill set so I never rest on my laurels. I'm always trying to improve every facet of my game.

4. Of all the fights you have had, which was your favorite and why? 

I would have to say my fight with Donnie Walker was my favorite. I think it was my best performance of my career and it will always stick with me because it was a dominate victory and really opened my eyes to how good I could be.

5. Is there a fight that you wish you could do again and is there someone you wish you could have fought? 

Yeah the main one would be my only loss (Brian Kelleher). I've been trying to get it but it appears he's not gonna oblige. I really wish I would have never agreed to a fight at 135. It was just too much for my body. I think 145 is the lowest I should ever fight.

6. Who are some of your role models? 

I would have to say the biggest role model in my life would be my mom. My dad passed away from cancer when I was young and she raised not only myself but my little brother & sister. She always worked so hard to make sure we always had everything we could ever want growing up. As for a role model in mma not really anyone. I don't feel like I should look up to someone who I hope to one day surpass.

7. You have said that this upcoming fight will be your last. Can you explain this decision and what led you to decide this will be your final fight? 

I think it's time. The last few fight camps have taken a toll on my body. I think this year really showed that as I've had a lot of injuries. My family also played a huge role in my decision. I want to spend more time at home with my wife and daughter.

8. What do you think your legacy will be in MMA as a fighter? 

I don't know. I hope it's that I was a hell of a fighter and entertainer.

9. What would you like top accomplish in your post-fight career? 

I want to get my black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

10. Is there anyone you would like to thank? 

I wanna thank my wife for always supporting me, my management team at Guardian, my training partners (Wilkins, Worthy, Burdette, Grossman, Hier, Patton, Philly Chris, Chaka, Mazzotta, Holt & everybody else who helped me this camp.) and my coaches ( Lou Jitsu, & Bob Meese). Also like to thank all my sponsors for supporting me during my career.
 
 Mark's Links:













Some photos courtesy of Christopher Nolan's MetConPhotos.com


Mark talking about the upcoming fight at GOTC 19

 Mark on GOTC MMA Talk
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