Justin Gonzales is preparing for the first fight of his career inside Europe as Bellator makes Milan, Italy, their home on 29th October.
Gonzales will face the crafty Andrew Fisher at Bellator 287, which has proven to be a tough task for his opposition. The fight will mark the American’s 15th professional fight (13-1) and his fourth under Bellator (2-1).
The Colorado-born aims to pick up where he left off against Kai Kamaka III in Hawaii earlier in April this year, scoring a split decision victory, that could be argued.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Justin Gonzales ahead of fight night in Milan. Check out what he had to say below.
Interview With Justin Gonzales
Just over two weeks out from Bellator 287 in Milan, Italy. October 29th will mark your first time competing in Europe. How much are you looking forward to experiencing a different culture, different fans, and the experience overall?
I’m pumped! This is a really exciting event and opportunity for me to show the world what’s up and win some European fans. Plus, I get to travel and see things most people will never get to experience, so I def plan on taking full advantage of it!
With fighting in Milan, Italy, comes the eight-hour time difference from Colorado. Have you got a plan to overcome jet lag? How earlier are you heading out?
I would like to fly earlier than Monday, but when I’m not paying sometimes, you have got to do what you got to do. Eight hours is a big time change. I’m sure it’s going to be different, but we have been throwing some workouts in to adjust and be ready to fight at the right time. I think fighting in Hawaii (a 4-hour time change) was a good prep for this. We have a layover before arriving in Milan, so we plan to get a light workout in the meantime to start the process of overcoming jet lag.
Justin Gonzales Talks Previous Bout at Bellator 279
We saw you return to the win column in April this year against Kai Kamaka, earning a split-decision victory. Having reflected on that fight, what’s your honest assessment? What things were you happy with and perhaps not so happy about?
The fight with Kai was a good fight. I honestly believe it was a unanimous win for me, and he got a lil hometown love from the Hawaiin judge, but at the end of the day, I went into his backyard and got my hand raised.
Kai is a veteran of the game and a very tough opponent, so getting a win over him to put me back on the winning side of things felt great. I was happy with my striking, and I landed when I wanted to and how I wanted to, but overall I think I could’ve wrestled a lil more and really pulled away on the scorecards. I wasn’t happy about the split, but as I said, it is what it is.
Previous to your fight with Kai, you dropped the first fight of your career to Aaron Pico, dating back to your amateur debut in 2012, which is remarkable. Many fighters deal with their first loss differently. How did you handle it, and what lessons within yourself did that fight with Pico teach you?
I took that L personal, and I do not believe it was a bad fight, but it was not my best performance. I felt my movement was off, lost focus and got pulled into a brawl. I’m smarter than that. Better than that, and ultimately I got pulled into his fight and hunting for the KO. I took some time to reflect and heal. I talked it over with my coaches and took some time to accept it, then let it go.
Revenge on Aaron Pico?
Your full focus is on Andrew Fisher, off-course. However, every real competitor wants to get revenge for their losses. Do you anticipate you’ll run it back with Pico down the line, and is that something you’d entertain?
Without a doubt, we’ll run it back when the time is right. I feel the fans would like to see it. Hopefully, for a belt, but either way, it will definitely be for more money! But right now, I got other fish to fry!!
Your opponent on the night, Andrew Fisher, who’s been around the block, is a real veteran of the game and has proven to be a tough man to beat, winning his last five bouts. What are your overall thoughts on him, and how do you feel you match up against one another?
Andrew is tough. He’s been at it for a while and has some momentum behind him, but it’s my time. I feel he’s good at what he does, but I’m better, and I can win this fight anywhere against him. He’s limited to what he’s got! I’m the better fighter. I’m on my way to that belt, and he’s standing in my way.
Featured image credits to Justin Gonzales
