By Dustin De La Torre
Walel “The Gazelle” Watson will look to start MMA fans off on the right note this Saturday, as his bout will kick off the UFC on VS telecast. The main event of course will highlight UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz looking to defend against Demetrious Johnson in the main event.
Watson talks to Fight Hub TV correspondent Dustin De La Torre about his path leading to the UFC, How it feels to be making his debut in the big leagues, his fight with fellow newcomer Joseph Sandoval and his take on the main event!
FHTV: First and foremost thank you for taking the time with us at FightHubTV.com
WW: No, thank you FightHubTV.com for having me!!
FHTV: Tell us and our readers how you got into the fight game and MMA specifically?
WW: I got into MMA because I have always competed since I was seven. I played football, baseball, basketball, track, and a lot of street fights growing up! I played junior college football and was looking to move on to a university but I only weighed 144 lbs and no scouts would give a scholarship for a 5″11 skinny kid no matter how fast or good I was! So my child hood friend Robert Peralta told me to meet him at a garage. I met him there with a bunch of other dudes and we all beat each other up! That was it and I was hooked!
FHTV: As a fighter what areas of your game do you think are your strong points?
WW: I feel my striking, quick feet, and my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are really strong!
FHTV: Tell us where and who you train with?
WW: I train at San Diego Combat Academy. My coaches are Monolo Hernandez, Frank Salgado, Tiger Smalls, Bill Crawford, and Gazzy Parman. My teammates are Alex Soto, Liz Carmouche, Cody Blades, Landon Piercy, Matt Fort, Ryan Shamrock and Ramses Laguna. We got plenty more fighters as well.
FHTV: Most of your fights have taken place in Mexico. Let us know what fighting in Mexico is like? After the fights do you stick around, check out the night life that Mexico has to offer or is it back home and let the fun times begin back in the state?
WW: I love fighting in Mexico! But no parties, we eat at our favorite restaurant after my fights; that restaurant happens to be by the border and then we are gone! I am the only American fighter who doesn’t get booed out there! (Laughing out loud)
FHTV: What was it like knowing that your last fight took place in Mexico where your fight probably was not seen by many people and now you are fighting on the biggest stage in MMA and fighting for the UFC?
WW: I am very thankful for this chance to show my skills and hard work to the world and it shows that the UFC sees all, so you better always bring your A game!
FHTV: What was it like getting the call from the UFC official who offered you a contract to fight for them?
WW: When Mr. Shelby called, I felt like I was dreaming but once the contracts were in I knew this was it!
FHTV: At any point leading into this fight have you had to pinch yourself to make sure you are not dreaming about fighting in the UFC?
WW: No sir, I have just been grinding. I do not have time to lose myself. I barely have my foot in the door and I want to kick it in!
FHTV: Did you have any idea that you were on the UFC’s radar or was it a complete surprise to you and your team?
WW: I had a small idea but figured I needed a few more wins under my belt.
FHTV: Your debut in the UFC will be against a fellow newcomer in Joe Sandoval. What do you know about Joe?
WW: He is a great fighter, undefeated and super scrappy! I see us putting on a show!
FHTV: What do you expect to see from Joe come fight night on October 1st ?
WW: An aggressive fighter trying to kill me and I’m going to do the same! That’s why this is a great way to start the night!
FHTV: What can the viewers expect to see from you?
WW: Fireworks. I don’t come to paddy cake and neither does Joe!
FHTV: If you could script your octagon debut how would it go?
WW: Getting my hand raised by any means legally!
FHTV: Does it put you at ease knowing you are fighting a fellow newcomer to the UFC rather than a seasoned veteran?
WW: No way. He is here for a reason just like me. For all I know he is the next champ and that is how I am treating this! This is our championship fight!
FHTV: Can we get a prediction for Dominick Cruz vs. Demetrious Johnson?
WW: Cruz. He is a great fighter! Not taking anything from Johnson but it is Cruz’s time!
FHTV: Is there anything else you would like to add?
WW: I want to thank God, my family, Gym family, Skrape from Tapout, guard Y’a grill, D.R.E custom fight gear, Nima Safapour and all the fans and supporters of MMA. Thank you all, one love!
Make sure you follow Walel “The Gazelle” Watson on twitter @135Gazelle and the rest of the fighthubtv.com staff at @fighthubtv @dustindelatorre @mellamomarcos @bigwilly805 @jamesalexmattis
