There has been a recent uproar among South Texas MMA fighters as many are starting realize there is money to be made and careers to be had in the field. Evidenced by the fact that two area fighters have been picked up by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), this recent surge has been hitting record numbers. The South Texas Fighting Championship (STFC) series, a lesser known company contributing to this explosion, has two of its former combatants providing their services to the UFC. This element has sparked even more excitement with Rio Grande Valley fighters of all calibers and disciplines, each one looking to be next one to become "world class." Among these hopefuls is "Dangerous" Danny Salinas.
Born, reared, and continues to call the Rio Grande Valley his home, Salinas, who competes in the lightweight division, has been developed mostly under the STFC banner. He has seen success in his venture as a cage battler and has helped the sport grow in his home province. Although confidence about his cage abilities may ooze now, Salinas was not always this way. Speaking from his home base, Salinas clarified, "I was kind of an awkward kid when I was growing up. I mean, I was always competitive but didn't always fit in. I thought I was a good athlete; I just liked competition."
Salinas participated in several different sports during his childhood and adolescent years, and while the world of martial arts interested the South Texas native, it did not become a staple in his competitive diet until midway through his teen years. Once he became active and dedicated to karate, Salinas flourished. He explained, "I started [karate] training when I was about 16, but when I graduated [from high school], I really started focusing on mixed martial arts and boxing. I've practiced kickboxing and jiu-jitsu also. I won so many Rio Grande Valley Karate championships at the brown belt and black belt level." Salinas added, "I also won national championship titles [in Karate] but to say that I was a 'national champion' is not completely accurate, as there are so many organizations in karate that is hard to say who really the national champion is. Still, I did well in competitions."
After gaining experience in several areas of blood sport disciplines through competitions and education, Salinas looked to move to the professional ranks; the Texan felt ready to take on the MMA cage challenge. Although not specific to one style of combat, Salinas trusts that he possesses multiple problems to anyone facing him in the octagon. "I believe that I'm a well-rounded fighter," Salinas said. "I know how to defend myself from takedowns. I use my jiu-jitsu and wrestling training as more of a defense but I am also capable while on the floor." Salinas reported feeling "best when I'm on my feet and striking" but reiterated that his arsenal does include proficiency in grappling and wrestling techniques.
In his next fight scheduled for May 16 in McAllen, Texas, Salinas will need his entire arsenal to secure victory. Salinas, who is set as the headliner of the night, will face a fellow tough Texan Booker Arthur. Arthur's record of 3 wins and 4 losses is deceiving as the submission specialist has competed against top-tier fighters in the Bellator cage amongst other major promotional organizations. The reality before him does not escape Salinas, as is evident by his assessment of the fight: "[Arthur] has solid conditioning, is strong and is a real tough guy. He does present some problems but he recently fought a coach of mine, Luis Vega, so we have a good grasp of what I'm up against and that he's a really hard guy." Despite this, Salinas described his training camp as "going really well" and that he is "completely ready for this fight.
"In closing, Salinas said, "I want to thank my entire team and all of my sponsors for the support as, without them, I would not be doing this. I also want to thank my fiancée, as she is very supportive and keeps me inspired and motivated to keep going when I'm having some trouble. I'm going to be ready and I'm going to give everyone in attendance a great fight."
Sergio L. Martinez
www.convictedartist.com
