Interviews
MMATorch Interview: Bellator Tourney Finalist Desmond Green On His Career, Training For Bellator 119 Bout
May 2, 2014 - 12:30:32 PM MMATorch Interview: Bellator Tourney Finalist Desmond Green On His Career, Training For Bellator 119 Bout

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By: Alvin Carter, MMATorch Specialist

Featherweight Desmond Green took sometime to talk to me this week leading up to his Bellator MMA tournament final bout against fellow featherweight Daniel Weichel next Friday at Bellator 119. Green is a graduate of the University of Buffalo, where he earned a B.A. in Health and Human Services, and where he was a wrestling champion in three different weight classes. The Q&A starts right before that point with Green's pre-collegiate wrestling career.

CARTER: Being a high level athlete since high school has presented ups and downs for you, but what is it like to reach a big show?

GREEN: Competing live on such a well known nationally televised TV station and company such as Spike and Bellator respectively is such a fulfilling and proud accomplishment, [after] growing up in sports and always competing at the highest level respectively for my grade. High school and college has prepared me somewhat, but it's still a new feel, and I'm just getting used to it.

CARTER: How much has your wrestling background played into your success? You won your last two fights by decision. Do you feel the takedowns are making the difference, or is it your hands?

GREEN: My wrestling career has definitely been the deciding factor in my success in this sport; however, my gains in my stand up is what's making the difference in my wins, because you definitely have to be good in more than one martial art, and my punches, kicks, and elbows have been quickly developing.

CARTER: What team do you train with? Have you brought in any special training partners to prepare for the tournament final?

GREEN: I train with pretty much my coach Matt Lee and three other friends/teammates: Darius, Josh, and Zech in Ithaca, NY at Ultimate Athletics. I didn't bring or travel anywhere special, just plan on implementing my strengths.

CARTER: Were there any challenges preparing for this fight? Does your opponent pose any problems you are not used to?

GREEN: I haven't came upon any problems during this camp, I've done my homework and have a good idea on how this fight will go and have confidence I can impose my will... I know he's knowledgeable from the bottom guard but I'm more than prepared for that.

CARTER: What match up in Bellator most interests you outside of your potential title fight?

GREEN: I'm looking forward to watching the Pitbull and Pat Curran fight, also Chandler and Alvarez.

CARTER: Do you have anything you would like to say to the fans or the media?

GREEN: Just want to tell the fans follow me and witness a legend unfold, also catch me on Twitter: @predatorgreen; Instagram: @predatortoon; Facebook: Desmond "The Predator" Green.

I would like to thank Desmond Green for his time, and tell all of you to look for Bellator 118 coverage tonight on MMATorch.com. I'll have round-by-round coverage of the evening's televised fights tonight, though on a bit of a delay. We'll have coverage of Green's fight next week as well at Bellator 119!

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