 Born in: Guam
Fighting out of: San Diego, CA
Age: 26
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 155lb
Overall MMA Record: 5-1
Fighting Style/ Stengths: Wreckless Arm Wrestling
Links: JoeDuarteMMA.com
How did you get the nickname, "HYBRID?"
Before I ever became technical, I was just referred to as being "Raw and Tough." I would take shots to give them. After a fight, my opponent's trainer said he had never seen someone take shots like that and keep coming foward to pull off a win. He said that I was a different breed of human- like some kind of Hybrid. The name stuck since then, but to tell you the truth, I hated it because I didn't want to be known as that guy. I wanted to be a good fighter....not a tough one. It grew on me and I learned to like it.
What is it about fighting that you enjoy the most?
I love everything about fighting except training. I hate training but I love fighting! The best thing about fighting is Iake my schedule and I get to travel. I grew up living on an island and not having the luxury of traveling as a kid. So I enjoy fighting because it has taken me all over the world. Whether it be me fighting, cornering, or making appearances, I'm always up for a plane ride to a new place in the world I have never been.
When did you first know that you were a fighter?
My brothers John and Justin used to slap me around when I was growing up. They made me tough because where I'm from, they were the ones that people respected because they can scrap. Me on the other hand....not so much....I was picked on and they would beat up dudes for me. I looked up to them a lot because I wanted that same respect. So I started training in 99' at the PureBred Gym on Guam and was around a lot of older guys. I seem to have the need to prove myself, so I fought to gain some respect which ended up back firing on me and I gained the rep at the gym as the trouble making kid. My brother, Justin, and I even got arrested at 15yrs old for beating up a grown ass man in club! Things went south at the gym and I wasnt liked for getting in trouble. I met a guy name Pat Ayuyu (K-1 FIghter) that took me under his wing and showed me that I dont need to prove myself to no one but me. He caught flack for taking me in but he didn't mind because he was a great friend. As for the rest of those guys that hated on me from Purebred Guam.....I WILL NEVER FORGET HOW BAD THEY TREATED ME!
When did you start training?
The first "REAL" team I trained with was San Diego Fight Club. They were like my second family. They taught me a lot, and I'll be forever greatful for what they did for me. Charlie Kholer, Brandon Magana, Josh Williams, Dave Hisquiredo, Casey Ryan, Pat Speight, and Charles Diaz showed me what it took to compete with the ever-evolving sport of MMA.
Who have you trained with?
When it comes down to it....the MMA community is really small. So we all train with each other....I've trained with guys I've fought, to guys I used to watch on TV. We are all friends- well, most of us are.
What is your favorite finishing move?
Personally, I like the Tombstone...lol. Just kidding, I like to finish as the WINNER (hahaha)! However I finish....I want the "W" and that's all that matters to me.
Who is your favorite professional fighter?
A Boxer by the name of Emanuel Augustus. Hands down, he is my favorite fighter. If you don't know him....YouTube him. He is sick and that's one guy that enjoys fighting!
Who do you think is the best pound for pound fighter in the world?
Anderson "The Spider" Silva....he's showed he can do it all....like Forrest (Griffin) said..."He makes good fighters look bad." Hands down- Anderson...
If you could fight with anyone on the highest level, who would it be? Would you win?
I would like to trade punches with Mike Tyson....I want to feel his power. And when I wake from my coma, at least I can say, "I TOOK THAT SH*T," lol. Would I win? The answer to that question is, HELL NO!!!
If you could do anything in the world of mixed martial arts, what would you do?
I would love to be able to retire and help other fighters make their dreams come true.
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