Close Thumbnails

Getty Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image or clip. If you violate our intellectual property you may be liable for: actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image or clip, and, where appropriate, the costs of collection and/or statutory damages up to $150,000 (USD).

photo 1 of 164

UFC 119 weigh ins: Joey Beltran

Joey Beltran

TRAINING: I have kept it pretty simple this camp: hard sparring 2-3 days a week, lots of wrestling and BJJ in addition to running. So the morning session is a hard intense practice, and the evening session is focused on cleaning up technique.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I competed in wrestling in high school and loved/missed the competition.

What ranks and titles have you held? 2x 5150 Heavyweight Champion

Do you have any heroes? My mom. She is what gives me strength. She is stronger than any fighter I have ever met.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? My very first MMA class was in 2006. Matt Stansell was teaching the class and I told him I wanted to fight in the UFC. I was fat, 300 pounds, with long shaggy hair. Matt was brutally honest with me and said there was a 98% chance that I would never fight in the UFC. I told him I don't care what I had to do that I was determined, so I asked him what I needed to do and he told me: Get in shape, lose 60 pounds get at least 10 wins under your belt. He said, “Everyone says they want to fight in the UFC but very few people have the discipline to do it.” Well here I am, four years later, 60 pounds lighter, no more shaggy hair, two weeks after my 10th win and I am fighting in the UFC. So what does it mean to me???? IT IS THE REWARD FOR MY FOCUS, HARD WORK AND DEDICATION. I CAN DO ANYTHING I SET MY MIND TO DO.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I attended Palomar Community College and studied communications at the University of Hawaii but never graduated.

What was your job before you started fighting? I did several jobs but never really fit in anywhere. I teach MMA now and I also do work as a DJ.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? I won the 5150 Heavyweight title twice in Oklahoma. I have beat three UFC veterans, including Houston Alexander two weeks ago. All three wins were by KO/TKO.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Favorite grappling technique: Kimura or Triangle

Favorite striking technique: Right cross or right uppercut

Sat. Jun. 23	UFC Fight Night	6:30PM	AEDT
Sat. Jun. 23	UFC Fight Night	10:00PM	AEDT
Mon. Jun. 25	EBI	10:00AM	AEDT
Wed. Jun. 27	Season 2 - Week 3	10:00AM	AEDT
Sat. Jun. 30	Titan FC 50	9:00AM	AEDT
Sun. Jul. 1	Pancrase 297	3:00PM	AEDT