Photo thanks to Unlimited Photography Stockholm

Diego Gonzalez, Hilti NHB Team (8-3-0) have won his last 3 fights against:
Arni Isaksson 2006 5-27 CWFC Strike Force UK,
Matt Thorpe 2006 12-16 Bodog Fight St.Petersburg,
Leslie Ojunbana 2007 1-28 SAS 1 UK.

Asgard took the time to talk to him about his last fights and what’s planned next for him.

Q: What happened with your knee?

D: I twisted it in my fight with Leslie Ojugbana. It happened in the beginning of the 1RD when he took me down. When I got back to Sweden I had surgery on it and was on crutches for 6 weeks but I started training a week ago. I think it has recovered 80% or so. I’ll be 100% soon - the rehab is going great. I train everything except hard wrestling right now.

Q: Which was your toughest fight?

D: No one more than any other really. Maybe the fight against Arni. I really felt that he was mentally tough and kept working even though I dominated him for the entire fight. In the fight with Ojugbana I injured my knee so that was a tough fight as well. My corner just told me to keep going and that’s what I did. It was hard because I felt that my knee was totaly busted and I didn’t have any real stability on it. But I skept going. It was a real good experience for me and it has made me stronger mentally. Though I had to cancel the Bodog Fight I’m still glad that I had this fight because of the experience. I expect to fight in the next Bodog fight in July in Canada. My knee will be a 100% by then.

Q: I hear Ojugbana wants a re-match?

D: I heard that. I want to put the priority to Bodog right now. They pay really well and thats pretty important since this is my job. And I want to fight more internationally so I can get exposure outside of europe. Also Bodog treats us good with 5 star hotels , excellent media service and they make us look good on tv. But of course if they offer me good money to fight Les again I’ll do it for sure.

Q: Where can we see your fight with Leslie Ojugbana?

D: You can watch it on my website http://www.diegogonzalez.se/home.html

Q: I heard you gonna figth in Swedish SW competition.

D: I don’t think so. Maybe for fun some day when I dont have anything to do.

Q: Who is your best sparring partner in Hilti?

D: I think it’s Erhan he is about 75kg. He is a purple belt that’s fast and has good technique. But I train with everyone at Hilti - David, Reza, Navid, Martin, Papy, lill David and some more guys.

Q: What about your standing training?

D: I got my own coach Miguel Maluenda. He is an ex boxer that helps me a lot in Hilti. He also gives me good sparring and helps me out with my ground’n'pound training.

Q: Who do you think are the best 3 fighters in Sweden?

D: Me, David Bielkheden and Per Eklund.

Q: Are you interested in fighting to someone Swedish?

D: I prefer to aim for international opponents. I think that I wouldn’t really gain anything by fighting any Swedish guy. Of course it would be fun but I have to think proffesionally.

Q: What do you think about Kampman?

D: Besides his excellent techniques he is very strong mental always staying cool and relaxed. I think his mental power is great. He seems to never stress in the ring. He just does his job like another day in the
office.

Q: If you fight to Kampman, how would you fight him?

D: I would probably take him down and try to pound and submit him.

Q: Maybe in near future the Swedish mma championship will come. Are you interested in that?

D: Not much. Like I said I dont really think I would gain anything by it. They pay much better internationally and the media exposure is bigger.

Q: What is the biggest diffference between Hilti and BTT?

D: The basic is same. The training is pretty much the same. But BTT has the world champions and alot of blackbelts to sparr with. Sparring with them are incredible. They are really skilled on the ground. If you want to class up your skills you have to train with people who are better than you.

Q: Wha other gyms in the world do you want to visit and train at?

D: Team Quest and Miletich Gym maybe.

Q: What do you need to improve most in your training?

D: I train to get better at everything but I think what I need the most is experience. I dont think I have even fought close to what im capable of but when I get some more experience I know im going to make a big impact in this sport.

Q: What is your training like now?

D: 2.5 to 4 hours per day from Monday to Friday some times Saturdays depending on how beat up I’am. I also add running day to day. I hate to run but I’ve gassed in fight before and it’s not fun to lose because you gassed.

Q: Thank you for your time, Diego. I wish you the big luck in Bodog Canada.