Coming off of a brutal knock out win against Will Kerr, Danny “Last Call” Castillo (10-3) will be making his UFC debut against UFC veteran Joe “Daddy” Stevenson (31-12) at UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann. The last time we saw Stevenson he was knocked out in the 1st round at UFC 124 by Mac Danzig.
Castillo is riding a two fight win streak, while Stevenson has lost his last two fights and four of his last six. Many have postulated that this is a must win fight for Stevenson. The fight will be streamed live on UFC’s Facebook page on Thursday March 3rd at 5pm PT / 8pm ET, as well as a light heavyweight bout between Steve Cantwell and Cyrille Diabte.
Just a day before his UFC debut, Danny took some time to chat with us.
- Making your UFC debut, you’re set to take on Joe “Daddy” Stevenson. In terms of preparation, are you training harder since it’s your UFC debut?
I train hard every day! Stevenson or the UFC doesn’t dictate how I train. I’m a hard worker, period! With that being said, I do have extra incentives and motivation to push my training to the next level. There’s a lot at stake for me.
- Stevenson was recently knocked out by Mac Danzig, someone who isn’t notorious for knock out power. Other than your wrestling, your strongest asset is your stand up, complimented by heavy hands. Does that boost your confidence at all?
I’d like to stand and bang in this fight. I feel like I have the advantage the fight.
- Do you think you’ll want to keep the fight on the feet since he’s known for those vicious chokes from his back?
His last guillotine submission was back in 2008. But I know his chokes are one of his strengths, so I’d like to avoid them.
- The UFC lightweight division is stacked. And arguably the most competitive division, where do you see yourself in the ranks?
I feel like I can compete with everyone in the lightweight division. I think there are a lot of good match ups for me and I pose a lot of problems for a lot of lightweights. We shall see this Thursday night.
- In an interview, Jim Miller has said that the UFC is the big leagues. However, the fighters that were successful in the WEC, wouldn’t do well in the UFC. What do you have to say about that?
I think underestimating any fighter can be a huge mistake!
- Being a part of Team Alpha Male, you’re surround by an enormous amount of talent. How much does training with fighters such as Joseph Benavidez, Urijah Faber, and Chad Mendes benefit you?
It helps me a lot. All three of these guys are ranked in the top 5 in their respected divisions. Having these guys in camp has helped me so much for this fight. Joe, Chad, and Urijah are great wrestlers with strong guillotines.
- What’s the ultimate goal? Are you looking to become a champion one day? Or is that looking to far ahead?
I train hard every day, and that’s to be the best in the world! My ultimate goal is to have that strap wrapped around my waist..
- Anyone you’d like to give a shout out to?
Team Alpha Male and everyone who supports me and my friends/family!
You can see what Danny is up to via
http://twitter.com/lastcall155
http://www.facebook.com/LaStCaLL155
http://www.dannycastillo.net
