Full Name:
Paiariki Cook
Age:
25
Where were you born:
Christchurch, NZ
Where do you live:
Gold Coast
Which gym do you train out of:
Sunshine State Wrestling
Who are your coaches:
James Sargison, Tapu Opetaia, Lucas Zions
What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:
Purple Belt, Nationals Champ
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Everything – My mum, when she was around, used to set up mini triathlons on the weekend for fun. She got the whole neighbourhood and community involved.
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
When I was able to keep up with pros in the training room.
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
Me and Lucas going to war on the pads for an hour – building heart.
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
You’ll never break me.
How would you describe your fighting style:
Make you miss, make you pay – pressure on, break you down, make you quit.
What is your favourite sport and why:
If I wasn’t fighting, I’d be pig hunting in the bush.
Who is your favourite athlete:
Zachary Alderson
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Jai Opetaia
What are your immediate and long term goals:
Win this fight. Turn pro. Hunt whoever is next.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
Heart.
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
Make him dig deep and see what he’s about.
A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Thanks to my team at Opetaia Boxing Gym, Sunshine State, and to Lucas. I’ve moved up to the Gold Coast and wanted to create our own team — with a specialist in each field, no distractions and strictly just hard labour. I’m looking forward to showcasing what we’ve been doing together for the last year.
I’d like to say my thanks to my community at home. As a village, they’ve rallied behind me on this one — giving me an opportunity to take a couple of days off work each week and to help get some extra PTs in. Love to the village back home for that.
Where will any fans or supporters be able to find your socials:
Instagram: ridetheredhorse2.0
Watch Paiariki Cook fight at Eternal MMA 98 on Saturday, September 13
