Bellator Champion Daniel Strauss Interview
By Zach Heim, RCM MMA Correspondent
I had the pleasure of speaking with a man who went from being talked into becoming a fighter to a Bellator Champion. His name is Daniel Straus. Daniel is an amazing fighter yet remains humble and thankful to the people that helped him get to where he is today. Like many people he had some bumps in the road, but was able to work past the problems and set backs to become a champion both inside and outside of the cage.
Real Combat Media: How does it feel to be the Champ?
Straus:“it feels good man. It was a lot of hard work that I put in and believing in myself and having the support of certain people and to get here it quite an opportunity.”
Real Combat Media:I know you had some troubles at the beginning of his career but that you could tell that he had put a lot of hard work into fight and the changes he has made in his personal life.
Straus:“Thank you” and continued to say “you know man we all go through stuff, and I don’t try to preach to anybody I just try to tell people what reality is. What reality is that everyone has their own story, their own ups and downs, but not everyone can get through them. To me it’s no big deal, but to share the story with everyone is incredible, it feels good.”
Real Combat Media:Its unbelievable that he had to be talked into the sport and now he is a Champion, what does the friend that talked him into MMA thought about all of this?
Straus: “I don’t know man, I haven’t heard from him. I haven’t been able to make it back home recently. Its on a whole different level man, everyone back home has supported me so much and they are so happy for me. It’s a blessing because they have helped me be where I’m at. They helped me become who I am. It’s just a blessing.”
Real Combat Media: I then asked him about the fight. I remembered the first time we talked I asked him if he saw any whole in his opponents game that he thought he could exploit. He told me then “yes, but its not something I really want to talk about, I just want to go fight.” So I told him how dominate he look and that he looked like he was able to do just what he was thinking.
Straus:“Thank you. Pat is a slow starter, a great fighter just a slow starter, and a really good counter puncher.” Daniel said he thought if he could take off first and was able to get in and out to frustrate him a little bit and just to frustrate him in general was the whole key. Daniel thought if he could take him out of his game then they would be playing in his world then. “it was a real good chest match.”
Real Combat Media: I asked what was next. Was he going to take some time off and enjoy being the champ or if he wanted to get right back in the cage?
Straus: stated he wasn’t sure, he knew “he was going to get back in the gym within the next week. Just to get going again. I’m not sure what they have planed for me.” He mentioned the featherweight tournament that was going on and another guy waiting for his shot. “I can’t wait to fight and I hope its soon.”
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