Interview with MMA’s Joe “The Rottweiler” Torrez
By Gabriel Barrio
Every once in a while I get the opportunity to meet new people who are doing big things in their lives, and this person is no exception. I had the chance to meet with Joe “The Rottweiler” Torrez, a professional mixed martial arts fighter who fights in the World Fighting Federation. Joe is 26 years old and is already accomplishing more than most people do in their whole lifetime. He is a Las Cruces, New Mexico native who has stars in his eyes and championship belt dreams. Joe Torrez is a down to earth, humble and strong character. Immediately you can tell what his focus is in life; his family. He has a fiancee who is kind, polite, and also very supportive. He also has two children; a 5 year old girl named Aaliyah and 5 month old son, Joe Jr. His family stands behind him 100% and acknowledges it isn’t easy on the family but to see him do what he loves and do it well makes it all worthwhile. Growing up in a town where it would be easy to get caught up in negative lifestyles, Joe not only has escaped a difficult life but has made himself a local celebrity and is working on making himself a national household name. Jumping into the combat sport game quickly and with great success he shows a lot of character and dedication. The way Joe spoke with me was a mixture of confidence and incredible work ethic. From just speaking with him it was apparent that this fighter is destined for great things. He will be going to fight in Scottsdale, Arizona on the 12th of May and this is his story.
Gabriel Barrio-
First of all thanks for agreeing to do an interview with Fightweek.com!
Joe Torrez-
Its my pleasure.
GB-
So where are you from and what gym do you represent?
JT- I am from Las Cruces, New Mexico and I represent Omega fight team and Round One.
GB-
When did you get your start in the sport?
JT-
Well I was 19 years old and back in high school I was a wrestler. I took 5th place in state wrestling competition. So that was basically my start. I had this friend Nate Patterson who was talking to me about MMA and he got me my first fight. After that I fell in love with it and just kept going.
GB-
What is your predominant fighting style?
JT-
I would say I am a striker but I tend to be more of a kickboxer. I like to stand and bang with my opponents, keep it interesting for the fans and knock people around.
GB-
How many amateur fights did you have before you knew you wanted to fight professionally?
JT-
My amateur career spanned 16 fights all wins. Only two of those fights went to decision. All of the rest were ref stoppages or KO’s. After that I knew that I wanted to take it further and thats why I am here today.
GB-
In your fight history do have any fights that stood out above the rest?
JT-
A fight that stood out was the Bucket of Blood against Ryan Sams. It was just a rough and tough fight. I remember it pretty well.
GB-
If you could go back and fight one fight over again who would it be and why?
JT-
I would go back and fight Dustin Poirier. I took that fight on two weeks notice. It was a quick camp and I felt like I could have won.
GB-
So I have to ask, the Dustin Poirier fight, whats your opinion about that fight and how do you see what went down?
JT-
So what happened was when the bell rang, I came out swinging and caught him. It threw him off guard, you could tell. So he took it to the ground and I was right there with him on the ground. We were on the ground for a while and at some point he had a good position to start hitting me and the ref stopped it early. I was defending myself and responding with hits of my own. Even Dustin was surprised that the ref stopped the fight. It turns out that I find out later that the referee was a training partner with Dustin. So that raised all kinds of questions. After that fight Dustin told me that when he got hit by me that it was the hardest he had ever gotten hit. I still keep in contact with him actually, no hard feelings whatsoever.
GB-
You have a very big fight coming up, tell us about that?
JT-
I am going to be fighting for the championship belt in Scottsdale, Arizona on May the 12th. My opponent is Benny Madrid who has a decent amateur record. His pro record is 3 wins and 0 losses. I am going to change that on the 12th and bring that belt back home to Las Cruces.
GB-
How is this fight different than others you have fought before?
JT-
Its not. I am training for this fight like I would any other. I always go all out and train as hard as I can. I don’t treat any opponent any different because I take this seriously. This is my job. A lot of people don’t treat it as serious or act like its a job, but it is. It is constant work from the dieting to the training. You have to live it, it is a complete lifestyle not just a sport.
GB-
Do you have a promotional team getting you these fights? I know how combat sports can be very political.
JT-
Well my fight team, Omega fight team and Round One. They are the ones who get me the fights and I go out and do my job.
GB-
How would you say you have developed as a fighter from a year ago?
JT-
I am a lot more focused and I am a better fighter all around. I don’t have specifics to point out but I do know that who I was last year is not the same fighter I am this year. I have background in wrestling and BJJ, but I tend to focus on my standup because I like to make it fun for the crowd and I personally like to stand and fight my opponent face to face. I intend to show that in the cage and let people know who I am.
GB-
In your weight division who would be your toughest opponent?
JT-
There are so many people in the division that are amazing. I would have to say either Gray Maynard or Anthony Pettis. My dream fight would be to fight Nate Diaz, but either of the Diaz brothers would be awesome.
GB-
After getting the belt in your division, do you have any larger or long term plans?
JT-
After I get this belt and bring it home to Las Cruces, I plan on taking it anywhere the sport can take me. I will take any fight they offer me. I don’t turn fights down and I plan to make it by beating every person they put in front of me.
GB-
Are there any fighters that you just plain out don’t respect or care for?
JT-
I respect all of these fighters. They are all just doing their job. I don’t get into any problems with anyone because its my job to fight. I go out and do what I am supposed to and so do they. I have respect for any of the guys that put the time in to train and get into that cage. I do this to provide for my family and to be able to do what I love. Its as simple as that.
GB-
Are you a fan of other combat sports? Like boxing?
JT-
I love MMA. I watch it all day. If I am at a bar and they are showing replays I will sit there and watch all of the fights until its over. No matter what organization, I watch them all, Dream, Pride, UFC, World Fighting Federation. Everything I can watch I do. I do also like to watch boxing too though. I focus mostly on MMA though. My favorite boxer has to be Mayweather. On Cinco De Mayo he is going to knockout Cotto. Easy.
GB-
Where do you see yourself this time next year?
JT-
Next year I am going to be in a bigger fight organization. I am too talented to not be there by next year. Things are happening for me very quick this year and by next year I will be in a much better place in terms of fights and also in terms of taking care of my family.
GB-
Is there anyone you would like to call out?
JT-
I would like to fight Dustin Poirier again. I have even told him it doesn’t have to be a big fight organization. I will fight him anywhere and anytime. I would love that opportunity again.
GB-
Ok now for some fun questions. Favorite food after a fight?
JT-
After a fight I love pizza (laughs), In and Out burger, shrimp. Everything I can get.
GB-
Guilty Pleasure?
JT-
Anything really. Everything. No sweets I don’t eat sweets but fast food, burgers, pizza, everything.
GB-
What is on your ipod right now?
JT-
Again, everything. Electro music, Skrillex, Waka Flaka, Wiz Khalifa, Jeezy, Nicki Minaj. I listen to a lot of different stuff, too much to name. (Laughs)
GB-
Any shout outs?
JT-
I would like to give a shout out to my family. I love you all, Aaliyah, Joe Jr., Natasha. To all of my sponsors. To Subherbia 2, My Fit Nutrition, Aram Industries and Cocaine Energy Drinks. Thank you all for your support through my training.
GB-
Thanks again for the interview, it was a pleasure speaking with you and best of luck on your upcoming fight!
JT-
Thank you very much for the opportunity!
