HOUSTON, TX, July 12, 2012 – Next up in our pre-fight series for IMKF 3 is heavyweight title contender Dale Mitchell. Also known as “The Alpha Male,” the soft spoken big man will be fighting for his first title against opponent Tony Melton after winning his past three fights in a row professionally.
Not a bad turnaround for a guy who lose 4 out of his first 5 before finally turning things around.
“I’m finally getting the respect I deserve but there are still a lot of doubters out there and I will continue to prove them wrong,” he says in the following interview. “I don’t know what else I have to do besides WIN.”
IMKF 3 Pre-Fight Interview – Dale Mitchell
I have evolved greatly as an all around fighter. I no longer have just one strength or one thing I’m really good at. I really took the time to focus on my weaknesses and improved tremendously. I’ve elevated my boxing, Muay Thai, BJJ, my conditioning and strength is top notch for me right now and I have totally re-shaped my body for fighting. I continue to improve with every fight and every fight feels more comfortable than the last. I have never been more ready and focused than now.
What else motivates you in life?
Life motivates me for life. Every day I wake up I’m motivated to be better than the day before. Of course the obvious as well like my son. But I thrive on life itself. My life outside of competition is simple and somewhat private. I have a close circle of friends and I’m very careful about who I let close to me and who I surround myself with. I don’t do much besides spend time with my son, family and friends.
My relationship with my son is incredibly strong. I spend a lot of time with him and he tags along with me to many of my training sessions. Everyone knows that is my mini-me. He will definitely be at the fight June 16th. He is my motivation and he always has a permanent seat cageside to see to all my fights in town. I can’t wait for him to jump in the cage after I win this belt.
Tell us about your camps. What’s it been like getting ready for this title fight?
I actually had 2 separate camps for this fight. I had skill & technique with coach Tony Orozco and the rest of my gorillas at Silverback Fight Club and I had strength & conditioning with coaches/trainers James Gerland and Todd Holloway at Meltdown Houston. I put a lot of work in as far as my physical conditioning is concerned. I did my hardcore Metabolic Conditioning and Crossfit MMA in the morning. The guys at Meltdown put a lot of work in tweaking my energy systems and endurance levels. Then I turn around and go to Silverback in the evening where I had some of the best guys I could ask for to sharpen my overall skills. All tools of the trade are ready to be unleashed thanks to my gorilla family over at Silverback Fight Club.
Fighting for a belt and all, does it finally feel like you’re earning some respect in MMA?
Yeah, I’m finally getting the respect I deserve but there are still a lot of doubters out there and I will continue to prove them wrong. I don’t know what else I have to do besides WIN. This will be my 3rd fight this year and I plan on fighting 3-4 more times and continuing the win streak.
It feels great; I’m excited and can’t wait to wake up Sunday as a champion. I think I’m finally due for a title and put in enough work to have earned it. This fight means everything to me and my career. I always say this fight and that fight was the biggest of my career but June 16th really is going to be the most important fight career to date. There are a lot of things lined up for after this fight but I have to walk out with the belt.
What do you know about your opponent Tony Melton?
I don’t know much about my opponent and lately I try not to. I found that when I study them too much I tend to focus on their strengths and forget about everything else they can use in the fight. I don’t know how this fight will end but I can promise you that my hand will be raised and a belt around my waist no matter what.
Provided you win, what are some of your other goals for the near future?
My goals won’t change. They have always been to win and elevate my game. I plan on continuing this process and make it to the next level. If I continue to put in the work like I have been and keep doing my job, I don’t see reaching my goals to be too difficult.
Any last words before Saturday night?
Not much else but i would like to thank the following: coach Tony Orozco and my gorillas and the rest of the Silverback Fight Club family, Jimmy Gerland and Todd Holloway of MELTDOWN Houston, the great people at Blue Label Vodka, my family and friends for being supportive and understanding during this camp (putting up with me hasn’t been easy), all the people who helped me out through this camp and being there to lend a helping hand, my son and his mother for keeping me grounded and being patient as this fight approaches, last but not least all of my fans and anyone who has and does love me, I love you back.