Interview with Swedish Welterweight, Diego Gonzales

[Mr Boogaloo]

Interview with Swedish Welterweight, Diego Gonzales
by Jimmy Boogaloo , Team IronLife.com Staff Writer & photos by Robert Swann


Diego lands a left hook on Dan Hardy

21-year old, Diego Gonzales cut his teeth at a young age in the world of MMA, travelling all over Scandanavia to compete and gain experiance. Bouncing back from a couple of early losses, Diego went on a tear, submitting 3 opponents in a row to earn a shot on UK based promotion, CageWarriors. After a win and a loss against Dan Hardy, Diego most recently came back to win a unanimous decision over tough Icelander, Arni Isaksson.

- Jimmy Boogaloo/Team IronLife.com: What is your background in martial arts?

Diego Gonzales: Have been training grappling and mma for about 6 years. Last 3 years serious.

- What is the MMA scene like in Sweden?

It's becoming more popular all the time. I have no idea about numbers but you can clearly see its growing in popularity.

- It seems that you have fought on all of the major Scandinavian shows… which one was your favourite?

I liked all of them but EVT was probably my favourite because it was in my hometown so I had a big support from the audience.

- Your last 3 fights have been for Cage Warriors , why have you chosen to fight in the UK?

I like fighting here. Everything is proffesional and its a big organisation that is well known. It always good to be seen.


Diego faces off with Arni Isaksson

- There was some controversy surrounding the beginning of your first fight with
Dan Hardy. What is your opinion on the situation? [Diego was criticised at the time for punching Dan as the fighters prepared to touch gloves - the bout was later declared a no-contest due to illegal strikes thrown by Diego]

Can't deny that I sucker punched him and that I hit him in the back of the head, but the no contest decision was bullshit. The same thing I did has happened numerous times in the UFC but Ive never heard that they have turned it to a no contest.

About the sucker punch I really dont know why I did it. It just happened. I thought that I had touched gloves. But everyone seems to think that I only won because of that and thats just nonsense. I passed his guard several times took his back and choked him out. The second time he clearly beat me cant deny that.

- What are your main memories of the two fights that you and Dan fought?

Can't get the loss from the back of my head. But I'm glad that I lost. Have learned so many things from that fight.

But I really want a rubber match I think I deserve it. Took him lightly the second time and that will never happen again.


An elbow goes into Arni’s face

- You recently won a unanimous decision over Arni Isaksson, how did that fight go for you?

He's a really complete fighter. He has a head of bricks and his cardio is just insane. I think he has a bright future in this sport. Everything in that fight went the way I wanted except that I couldnt finish him. I didnt really have a gameplan I just wanted to try some stand up and see were it went from there.

- How do you think you would do against Forrest Petz, the Cage Warriors welterweight champion?

I think I could beat him if I'm well prepared. Hes weakness seems to be the ground game and thats my strong point. If I have the cardio to go 5 rounds Im real confident that I beat him.


Deigo wins after 5 rounds

- What are your ambitions in MMA for the future?

I want to go as far as possible. My big dream is to fight in Pride or the UFC. I'm only 21 and always training hard and looking to improve so I think I could do it.

- Have you got anything to add for the international readers of Ironlife?

Look out for me in the future. I'm really dedicated to reach my goals. Also to support me when I fight. Visit my homepage www.diegogonzalez.se and my sponsor www.jabb.se

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For more information about upcoming Cagewarriors events, please visit www.CageWarriors.com and for more action shots by Robert Swan, please visit http://www.Robertswannphotography.com .