UFC Fight Night April 4: Jorge Masvidal Talks Latin Roots, Learning to Fight & Tupac Before Upcoming Fight Against Al Iaquinta [EXCLUSIVE]
With wins in his last three fights, and an upcoming bout on Saturday, Jorge Masvidal has many UFC fans watching his rise in the MMA world.
The UFC Fight night: Mendes vs. Lames will take place on Saturday, April 4. One of the exciting fights that night will be between Jorge Masvidal and Al Iaquinta in a lightweight bout. Masvidal, who is of Cuban and Peruvian descent, is more than confident he can defeat Iaquinta.
Masvidal, who has Cuban and Peruvian roots, has been on a hot winning streak lately, and he was kind enough to talk with Latin Post about his fighting career:
1. How did your MMA career begin?
"I was very young, and I was leaving a 7-Eleven one day. When I was leaving, somebody in a truck whooped my ass and took all my money. The money, everything. So, I knew right then and right there I needed self defense. I knew I wouldn't go through this 7-Eleven experience ever again."
2. What do you love most about being an MMA Fighter?
"I love to fight. I love to compete. Basketball and football, as well. I'm a competitor, and MMA is my favorite sport."
3. Anthony Pettis recently lost to Rafael dos Anjos for the lightweight title. Do you think you deserve a chance against him?
"I think it's very unlikely [for me] to face Rafael dos Anjos now, but I would love to face Anthony Pettis after this fight. I never want to look past anybody, I know I have a huge fight this Saturday, and I have to take it one fight at a time. But, God willing, if I get that victory on Saturday, I would love kick Pettis' ass."
4. You've won 28 career UFC fights. Is there one that stands out more than any other?
"To be honest, I remember them all the same. There's no moral victories in this business for me. I trained long and hard for every win, and had fun beating them all up."
5. You are of Cuban and Peruvian descent. How important is your Latin American heritage to you, especially to your Latino fans?
"It means everything to me. If I grew up with a different background I don't think I would be fighting. I grew up fighting. It's just part of the custom for us. Dancing, fighting and cooking, that's what we do."
6. You began as a professional boxer. How has boxing helped your MMA career?
"Since I was a kid, I knew I was going to wrestle or box. Then when MMA came around, I knew this was it, I could do both at the same time. I knew then that this is what I want to do for the rest of my career. My first love was wrestling, then boxing, but MMA has been my favorite. Here in Miami I get to work out with a lot of high quality boxers."
7. In your last fight, you beat James Krause. How do feel heading into this fight?
"To be honest, I feel scared. I think I'm going to kill my opponent."
8. How do you plan on attacking Al Iaquinta in your next fight?
"I plan on punching him and taking him down whenever I feel like it. Iaquinta underestimates me. I don't think he can take me down. I'm sure he's got all these ideas and plans, but he'll find out soon enough what he can't do."
9. Al Iaquinta likes going for the early knockout. Do you think you have to adjust for him?
"No. I don't have to adjust to him. He has to adjust to me. I bet you he comes out strong and then real weak. I'll bet he doesn't stand there and face me the same way he faces other dudes. He'll come out with a totally different style then previous fights."
10. How do you want fans to remember you?
"Like Tupac said, "Bury Me A G."
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter
FOR MORE SPORTS NEWS AND UPDATES, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE