The MMA Q & A: Joey Villasenor

Joey Villasenor chats the MMAMadness.com's Cameron Gidari

MMAMADNESS: You’re coming off of a big win against Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos. What are you doing now to relax and get healthy?

Joey Villasenor: Just exactly that. I went camping and lots of fly fishing. I love the outdoors. The week after my fight I planned on going camping and that’s what I did. My demeaner doesn’t show it but I like the outdoors.

MMAMADNESS: That’s an interesting hobby for a fighter to have

JV: It takes my mind off of fighting and the city life. When you’re out there in nature and it’s just you trying to catch a fish and you don’t hear any cars, your cell phone isn’t ringing, it’s really a great treat to me and a big break from reality.

MMAMADNESS: Speaking of reality, who are you fighting next? Have you heard anything?

JV: They offered me a big fight with Jake Shields and I really would love to have that fight. I think Jake is a great and worthy opponent. The only problem is that they offered it with just not enough time for me to recover, so I’m really hoping that they come back and offer me that fight again. Right now, my five fight deal is over and we’re looking at resigning with Strikeforce, but also looking at other avenues. It basically just comes down to making the right decision on where I want to go. I don’t know where I’m going to end up, but wherever it is everyone knows I’m going to give it my all. 

MMAMADNESS: Have you been receiving interest from other organizations? Maybe spark up some competition for your services?

JV: It’s hard to say whether we’re having competition or not. I don’t deal with it, I let my manager handle it all. There’s definitely interest. Not that the UFC’s highly like ‘whoa, we want you signed,’ but they see my teammates and the team I come from and my coaches and I think they’ve been watching me over the years and they kind of have an idea of what I bring to the table. Hopefully someday we’ll end up in the UFC. It’s a dream of mine and maybe soon it will be a reality. 

MMAMADNESS: If you have the UFC on one hand, and Jake Shields and a title fight on the other hand, which do you take?

JV: It’s a hard question. Either one of them is fine. Either one is a great opportunity. I’m just excited to even be in the position of thinking of those two. It’s just a great honor to be offered a fight like that. To be at the end of my contract and to be in a situation where no matter what, my next move is going to be great.

MMAMADNESS: What is it like being a free agent and having those options, but at the same time having uncertainty? 

JV: It’s great. I’ve worked a really long time and I’ve been fighting in this game for a long time and I’m an old vet. It just feels good. To be at the expo and to see the fan base and where the sport is going, I’m really honored to be a part of it.

MMAMADNESS: How has it been getting to meet and interact with fans?

JV: I think that it’s incredible to actually be a part of this whole system and journey. Back when I first started fighting, it was just for a hobby, just because I loved doing it so much. To see where it’s at right now, pinch me, is this real?