In a match the pits the “The Gazelle” versus the “The Tiger,” up and coming UFC bantamweight Walel “The Gazelle” Watson sits down to talk about his upcoming fight versus Yves Jabouin at UFC 140. Watson also shares his thought about fighting Jabouin in his backyard, “Going into Yves backyard does not mean anything to me!”
FHTV: How has everything been since we last spoke to you? Has your life changed since your last fight versus Joe Sandoval?
WW: Everything has been great since we last spoke; my life has not changed too much. I am still training hard and focused. I am able to take my girlfriend out to the movies or eat somewhere nice.
FHTV: You had a quick finish to your last fight and two months later you are back in action, do you like the quick turn around between fights?
WW: Yes sir, I love fighting, and I want to fight as much as possible and climb the ladder to the top! It also helps because I am still in shape from the last fight going into my camp.
FHTV: You went from fighting the first fight of the night against a newcomer in the UFC to taking on a veteran of the UFC and WEC in Yves Jabouin. Talk about the step up in competition?
WW: I am very happy for the chance to go up against a great fighter in Yves Jabouin, he’s a veteran in the sport who has faced some high quality fighters. This is my chance to show the world I belong with the cream of the crop in the bantamweight division in the UFC.
FHTV: He is known as a striker, what do you expect to see from him come fight night?
WW: I expect great striking with some wrestling mixed in his arsenal. That being said I also always expect the unexpected!
FHTV: Do you think your length will give you advantage when you guys are standing?
WW: I think my length is an advantage for sure, but like I said he is a veteran and I got to be ready for it all!
FHTV: What do you think are his strengths and weaknesses? How do you look to exploit his weaknesses?
WW: I feel his strengths are his power, but I feel if I can set the tempo it is going be a long night for him.
FHTV: Last time you and I spoke you were a new comer to the UFC. Talk to us about having fought in the octagon. Is there a comfort level now?
WW: There is definitely a comfort level being my second fight in the octagon. I do not allow that to let me slack off in anyway! I will always have a little nervousness going in: but I love it, keeps me on my toes
FHTV: You are venturing out of the USA and going into his back yard of Canada what are your thoughts about that?
WW: Going into Yves backyard does not mean anything to me, it is another important fight in my career and that is all I see. I fought the majority of my career in Tijuana, Mexico so I am used to hostile crowds and being the “Bad Guy”!
FHTV: It was just recently announced that your fight will be televised on ION. What were your thoughts when you found out about your fight being televised?
WW: When I found out the fight was on ION I was excited, this is a chance to show the world and the UFC I can be a primetime fighter!
FHTV: By this time next year where do you see yourself in the bantamweight division?
WW: By this time next year God willing my hard work and determination has me facing either the title holder who ever that may be or fighting for the #1 contender spot!
FHTV: Come fight night what can we expect to see out of the Gazelle?
WW: Come fight night the fans can expect a fight! I have never played it safe and fight 110% till my last breath! I know Jabouin will do the same so I know we are going to make fireworks in the Octagon!
FHTV: Now that you are at the highest level of the fight game do you find the support of your family and friends to even more critical in your career?
WW: My Family, Coaches, and Friends all play a roll in my life, I know that they all have my back no matter what. They have been there since the start and done nothing but show me mad Love!
FHTV: What you like to add anything else or thank anyone?
WW: I would like to take the chance to thank God without God I do not know where I would be, my Family, gym Family SDCA, teammates, Coaches Manolo Hernandez, Bill Crawford, Tiger Small, Gazzy Parman, Alchemist management, TapouT, The Gun Store, Lexani Rims, TrainingMask, Guard Ya Grill., and all the fans of MMA one Love!
