DALLAS, TX, August 10, 2012 – As with all things in life, one of the most vital elements of an MMA event is setting the tone.
The way the first two fighters come out often dictates the energy in the crowd for the rest of the night.
It’s crucial.
People are intuitive. They can feel the energy in the air. Like a much-needed first meal for a fighter after what seems like an eternal wait to weigh in, the first fight of the evening will feed their energy for the rest of the night.
Because of that, picking the first fight in the bout order is an important decision for any promoter.
For Legacy promoter Mick Maynard regarding Legacy 13 next Friday August 17th at the Dallas Convention Center, he can rest assured knowing he likely picked the right one.
Featherweights Ray Rodriguez and Joseph Salas are both ready to put it out there.
That’s the tone we got for Ray’s interview the other day and Joseph’s below. Make sure you read both and get ready for an explosive beginning in Dallas at the Europa Sports Expo in less than a week’s time!
Interview – Joseph “Black Rooster” Salas
What are your thoughts on Legacy and how does it feel to be fighting on this card?
Legacy has made a great impact on the sport not only in the state of Texas, but also in the grand scheme of things in MMA. For them to come to Dallas and for me to get the call to fight for them is a huge honor. I expect Legacy 13 to be a big success and I predict many more shows to be produced in the DFW area. I would continue to be honored to lay it all on the line for them in the future.
Tell us about your last fight. When was it and what did you learn from it?
My last fight was in June versus Casey Hudson (XKO 15). He turned out to be a very tough opponent. Looking back, such a tough fight was very welcome. I needed it since I was coming off over a year layoff. There’s nothing like getting the ring rust off by getting your bell rang like I did that night. Casey is a high level collegiate wrestler so I was not expecting to take any damage in the striking aspect of that fight… but sometimes these guys can do the unexpected to surprise the hell out of you. I ended up winning that fight by a unanimous decision but I also walked away with a very valuable lesson – Expect the unexpected!
Aside from that, what other memories stick out to you so far in MMA?
A memory that sticks out happened a few years back when I fought for my first amateur title in Missouri. It was for Xtreme Cage fighting – a pro/am show based out of that state. That evening Frank Mir was making a special guest appearance which I thought was pretty big because he was coming off his win of Brock Lesnar and wrapping up the TUF show on spike. That fight went off without a hitch for me and I showed a dominant performance in which I choked my opponent unconscious in the first round. Later that night Frank Mir approached me and gave me a little bit of praise on my technique and we chatted it up for a bit. That night was great for me. I got my first title and had the experience of witnessing how a world champion can and should be. Frank Mir was very humble, personable and was liked by everyone that he came in contact with. I can only hope to someday set an example and lay down a foundation of a true champion as Frank Mir did for me that night.
Tell us about your life outside of fighting.
My life at home consists of being the best father, brother, son, boyfriend and friend I can be. All of these people support me in a way that I couldn’t even begin to thank them for, but I try. Outside of fighting my family and friends are very important to me. I do my best to be there for them as they are always there for me.
I would describe my life as being nothing out of the normal. In between fights I work the 9-5 job in the family Arborist business.
Most people don’t know that my day job is much more dangerous than my fighting career. As an Arborist I’m constantly faced with dangerous situations.
Dealing with heights of 100ft with a chainsaw attached to my waist, danger is never more than a heartbeat away. As an arborist I’ve taken big falls and even taken cuts from a chainsaw. It was actually one of those falls that gave me the courage to take a leap into trying my hand at MMA. I had great interest in the sport for a long time but was told by the people around me that it looked too dangerous and I shouldn’t try it. Of course these were words from people who cared very much about me and didn’t want to see me get hurt. After I took a 35ft fall I was lucky to escape with my life. I did end up breaking my foot but I decided that if I’m going to face danger and risk getting injured, it would be doing something that I loved and enjoyed. So after the four months it took for my foot to heal, I found a gym and thus begin my great journey into the sport of MMA.
The drive to be the best is what makes me to want to perform at my absolute best not only in each and every fight, but also each and every training session. Honestly I take every fight very seriously and all fights are the most important to me at the time.
Tell us a little bit about this upcoming fight. You and Ray Rodriguez are familiar with each other right?
I am very excited about my Legacy matchup. Ray is a very skilled and tough opponent. I have been watching his progression for a while, and I know he has been watching me as well. Just like what he said in his interview, I’ve always known that it was just a matter of time until we locked horns. Ray is a soldier and I expect nothing less than a gritty, knockdown, balls out, and bloody WAR. I know that Ray and I will open and set a tremendous pace for the Legacy FC 13 card. The fans are in for one hell of a show.
With the respect you have for your opponent, how have you gotten ready for this one?
I have done everything in my power to prepare all aspects of my game. He has a well-rounded game so it allowed me the opportunity to work on all the techniques that make up the sport of MMA. I’ve had a lot of fun preparing for this fight and am ready to dominate the fight wherever it goes.
Any predictions?
This fight plays out in a bloody war with my hand being raised when it is all said and done.
Any last words or acknowledgments?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people that make each and every fight possible for me. My mother, father , brother and sisters and especially my girlfriend Sammi who has done more than her part in showing me support in this training camp. My coaches George Prevalsky and Jose Reyes. All the guys at the gym who push me me each and every day. I would also like to thank Matt Rossini of Imperial Fight Management. Matt has done an incredible job helping me take my career to the next level. Huge thanks to Legacy FC for the opportunity to fight for them. It is definitely a great honor. All my sponsors: Draft Picks Bar and Grill, Torque Clothing, Robust Energy Drink and Lock Out Supplements. Of course a humble thank you to Mike Calimbas for your continued coverage of this great sport that we all love and cherish.
Everyone make sure to join me and my fellow Imperial Fighters at Draft Picks Sports Bar and Grill August 17 for the after party.