One On One With Richard Hale
Recently, AddictedMMA was able to catch up with Bellator Light Heavyweight Richard Hale before quarterfinal match-up at Bellator 71 against Beau Tribolet.
Hale, 19-4-1 as a professional, is looking to punch his ticket into the upcoming Bellator Light Heavyweight tournament final, which begins June 22, and took some time to speak about his upcoming fight, his tremendous inverted triangle choke against Nick Fekete at Bellator 38, his future in the sport, and as always, his addiction.
AG - First off thank you for your time. So what got Richard Hale into MMA?
RH- I got into MMA when I was looking to do some conditioning for amateur body building show and knew wrestling was alway great for conditioning. Went out to watch a buddy fight and decided I would try MMA training for that.
AG - When the cage door closes and the bell rings, what goes through your head?
RH - When that cage door clothes I think it is finally time to show what I have been training and working on so hard. And this poor sucker has nowhere to run (insert evil laugh)
AG - Have you practiced the inverted triangle now after you used it to beat Nik Fekete?
RH - Have not been practicing the inverted triangle since pulling it off but have seen it present itself quite a bit in training now that I know it. I like triangles man and every chance to hit one from annual angle is a good days training for me
AG - What is your favorite way to end a fight, Submission or Knockout?
RH - Favorite way to end a fight is for sure by knock out. Submissions always came easy and I have had to work hard to perfect my stand up and will always be a work in progress but the control and pure energy of ending another man so decisively is pure power as far as emotion and feel
AG - You have an upcoming fight with Beau Tribolet, what do you know about him and how do you match up with him?
RH - All I know is Beau is the next opponent set in front of me and the next man to stand in my way to be the best in the world. He is humble and respectful going into this fight but we both know we have a job to do and incomes down who is the employee of the day in the office (cage). Look forward to this one most cause it is against another Arizona guy and a great chance to leave my mark on the sport and as the Arizona champ.
AG - If you could fight any fighter who would you like to fight and why?
RH - As far as who I would like to fight is a man that I had my eye since he came out against Bonnar. It is Jon Jones. I respect his style and just is sweeter if I got that chance cause he is now champ and considered the best in the world. So to be the best you have to beat the best! Just a fight that would be a great one over all to add to my resume and even better to get that strap. All and all first things first i have a belt to get in Bellator and have some redemption to get against their current champ. I am still growing as a man and a fighter but loses teach us lessons andyou I am wiser and more prepared from the one loss I have Bellator.
AG - Any Shout outs you would like to give?
RH - Just like to take the time to thank you for the questions and time also like to thank some sponsors in manyweapons, Ifight, and to all the trainers and partners who make my dreams come true and happen. Thanks to Kelly Davis with Koncrete gym and Jake Parent from Tribal Crossfit. Two of the best guys I have met as coaches and friends.
AG - Signature question at AddictedMMA, What are you addicted to?
RH - Oh and lastly the best way to answer that is I am addicted to my dreams! No matter how many trials and tribulations I go thru it is worth the daily sacrifices that are made. Just love knowing I am being the best I can and leaving my mark on the world
AddictedMMA would like to wish Richard Hale the best of luck in his upcoming match on June 22 against Beau Tribolet at Bellator 71.
Published by Jasyn Zangari - Wed, 30 May 2012 15:27
