Kerry Stellars interview with #10 ranked amateur in NY. Flyweight MMA fighter Danny “Flashanado” Maldonado.
Hey everyone Kerry Stellar from In The Girls Corner. I got to speak with a very talented up and coming fighter, Danny Maldonado, #10 ranked Flyweight in amateur mixed martial arts in New York. Danny is already a title holder, in the Flyweight division, with a record of 3-2-0, his next fight for Aggressive Combat Championships 17, for the ACC Flyweight title against Edwin Solis.
KS Congratulations on an already impressive fight career, that’s taken you to now two title fights, in three years. When did you start Mixed Martial Arts, and what style did you begin with?
DM I started training in boxing in 2011, and picked up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu right after. I fell in love with, it and later translated my skills to MMA, which is my main focus now.
KS What made you want to become an MMA fighter?
DM I used to fight a lot when I was kid and enjoyed the rush. As I got older I matured, and picked up martial arts. Which led to me combining my excitement for fighting, and competition into one.
KS As a mixed martial artist you have to be extremely athletic, did you do any other sports growing up?
DM I played basketball a lot, and once I realized in my teens that I wasn’t getting any taller I stopped playing as much.
KS Who and what are your biggest influences in fighting, and in life?
DM My biggest influence would be my family. They have all been through obstacles in their life and overcame them which is very inspiring, and pushes me to fullfill my dreams and aspirations.
KS Tell me about where you train at Pure Heart Fight gym, and your coaches…
DM I train with some great coaches like Matt Kaplan who is a Renzo Gracie black belt and former Amateur MMA fighter. Nicholas Robyn who trained with Ray Longo when he was competing in kickboxing, and Jonathan Calestine who is a Renzo Gracie Brown Belt and one of the top grapplers in the world. They have helped mould me into becoming a complete MMA fighter and I will show a better version of myself in this fight with Edwin.
KS You’ve had a lot of fights in three years, how has your fight camp been for ACC 17, has it differed from others in any ways?
DM This will be my fourth fight in 2017, and 2nd straight title match. This camp we focused on my ground game being sharper because Edwin is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We’ve done a lot of MMA drills to keep my fighting IQ sharp and I’m looking to go in and finish this fight.
KS You’re still so young you can really take this to any level, where do you see yourself with your fight career in five years?
DM I train with some of the best guys in the world, even though the world hasn’t seen them yet. I know I can be successful in the pros, and make it into the UFC, I plan on doing so.
KS This is your time to thank anyone you want to, sponsors, coaches, teammates, family and friends…
DM I want to thank everyone who comes out and supports me, and my dreams as well as my coaches, and teammates who push me every day in the gym. The belt is coming home with us!
Thank you so much for taking this time to speak with me, I look forward to seeing your title fight November 11 2017 at the Westchester County Center.
You can find Danny on Facebook at Danny “Flashanado” Maldonado, and Instagram at @danny_thefighter, give him a follow to see when Danny’s next fight is!!
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