MCALLEN, TX, March 20, 2012 – When it comes to pro MMA fighters hailing out of the Rio Grande Valley, 23 year old Joseph Patrick Daily stands as one of the prospects out there that may have a chance at a bright future within this sport.

Starting out in MMA after a standout scholastic career in wrestling, Joseph transitioned to the striking arts of Muay Thai and Boxing before falling in love with Mixed Martial Arts in its entirety. Now 5-2 after four years in the sport, Joseph now trains with fellow RGV top dogs in guys like DJ Fuentes, Carlos Diego Ferreira, Alex Martins, Cyrus Washington, and others in order to maximize his potential within the sport – as an individual and also to show that South Texas is to be respected when it comes to MMA – but also for the glory of God – so that he can use his talents as a medium to help the next generation succeed inside the cage and out.

Simply put, Joseph “Prince” Daily is a man on a mission. And he lacks neither confidence nor conviction on his path to the top as he faces a ton task at Bellator 62 this Friday in 7-1 DFW-based pro Sean “Black Magik” Spencer.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

We recently spoke to Joseph regarding this fight, what his fighting career means to him, and what he means to do with his MMA career moving forward starting at Bellator 62 in Laredo.

Bellator 62 Pre-Fight Interview – Joseph “Prince” Daily

Thanks for taking the time to talk to TXMMA during fight week! You’ve been fighting South Texas for awhile now. How would you describe the fight scene in that part of the state?

It is growing down here, The fights we get are still mostly boxing but crowds are getting bigger for MMA and every time I go in to the MMA gym they know who I am because they follow it down here, so that tells me people are becoming fans. It’s going to keep growing!

So it looks like you’ve been a pro fighter since 2008 with a 5-2 record. What about outside the cage… what’s life like there?

Oh man it’s great. I can’t complain. God has put all the right people in my life and has been moving a lot in it. I use the spotlight I get in MMA to really reach out to people about church. I’ve also done some preaching for youth at my church too so I can’t wait to reach more with the spotlight Bellator will give me. I’m really excited to show Bellator and Texas what I can do.

That’s awesome man. What can fans expect when they see you LIVE at the Laredo Arena or on Spike.com this Friday?

Well I started as a wrestler when I got into MMA. I went to state in high school and was ranked in the top 12. But we all have to keep growing to be successful in this sport. After my 2nd fight I fell in love with Muay Thai, and then fell in love with boxing after that. I do feel I’m one of the rare fighters that transitioned well into striking from a grappling background so I love it all. Fans can expect a well rounded fighter. That’s what they can expect when they see me in the cage.

What can you tell us about your opponent for this Friday? Is there anything you feel you have to watch out for in particular from Sean Spencer in this fight?

Well he is a boxing-style fighter and his only loss is by submission. It’s safe to say his weakness, if any, is on the ground. I believe his strength is standing, primarily boxing. I need to watch for is power and strikes. Other than that there’s not anything else to watch out for.

How long have you had to prepare for this opportunity specifically? Who’s been helping you get ready for this fight?

I’ve had 7 weeks to get ready for this one. Half I spent at Jackson’s MMA in New Mexico and the other half of it I’ve spent in the RGV – training with Carlos Diego Ferreira (BJJ black belt), Alex Martins (BJJ black belt), DJ Fuentes (local featherweight champ), and Cyrus Washington (world class MuayThai fighter and coach). I’ve also been training my boxing at Barrientes boxing gym. They have a bunch of Golden Gloves champs and plenty of undefeated pros who started there so it’s a great place to train.

Any predictions for how your fight will end Friday?

Well I see me winning because I’m well rounded, I’ll put everything together really well… can’t say I’ll out-strike or out-wrestle my opponent but I will out-MMA him. I think that will be the deciding factor, that I’m better at MMA. All my wins are finishes whether sub or TKO… And most of his are decisions.

Any last words for Sean Spencer?

I can’t wait. I’m really excited to fight you and hopefully you feel the same way. Once the door is closed, it’s time for war. This is the year of Joseph Daily!

Any last words?

I’m really excited about my new team and can’t wait to see what this match will mean for me. I’d like to thank Extreme Nutrition, Doctor Hector Amaya, Cinco MMA, and Oscar Enriques Sr and Jr. They have helped me so much. Thank you again.

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