“Bazooka” Joe Stripling on Hodges: “When I beat him, it’ll definitely showcase heavyweights”
Interview with Joe Stripling above
This Friday, March 12th, and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass, “Bazooka” Joe Stripling will return to the ring taking on Terrence “El Jefe” Hodges at Lion Fight 64. Stripling vs. Hodges’ matchup will serve as one of the semi-final bouts in the Lion Fight four-man heavyweight tournament.
Stripling, a seasoned veteran in combat sports started his pro career in 2006. He’s welcomed all comers in Muay Thai and has shared the cage with Bellator and UFC vets, alike. With 30 pro fights to his resume, there isn’t much “Bazooka” Joe hasn’t seen inside the ropes.
Breaking down his matchup ahead, Stripling credits his opponent, “Having him-first round is probably the hardest fight of the first round,” he says. “Terrence is really good! He’s very explosive and he comes with heavy hands and kicks.” Assessing Hodges skill set, Stripling continues, “he’s tall, he’s younger than me, he’s probably more explosive than me,” concluding convincingly, “But he does not have the technical prowess that I do!”
With MMA being such a polarizing sport currently in combat sports, Stripling is elated to bring the sport he loves into the spotlight. “I love Muay Thai,” he says. “So, now to get the opportunity to shine on UFC Fight Pass for Lion fight and win this tournament…I couldn’t be any happier,” Stripling says with an exuberant grin.
While “Bazooka Joe “would love to win by elbow knockout!” He says. “Truthfully, I’ll take a win, man. I’m excited,” Stripling admits. “I want to fight guys who are the next big thing!”
Tune in above as MyMMANews drops into Delaware’s, Chok Dee Athletics to catch up with “Bazooka” Joe Stripling. We discuss his upcoming opportunity to culminate years of training and competing to vie for gold in the Lion Fight Heavyweight Tournament Championship.
Lion Fight 64 goes down this Friday, March 12th, live on UFC Fight Pass.
Lion Fight 64 Fight Card
(c) Steve Walker (8-0; Boston, Massachusetts, USA) vs. Brian Collette (27-5; Norfolk, Virginia, USA) – Lion Fight North American Super Cruiserweight Title
Cody East (5-1; Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA) vs. Warren Thompson (10-8; Atlanta, Georgia, USA) – Lion Fight North American Heavyweight Title Tournament Semi-Final
Joe Stripling (5-1; Wilmington, Delaware, USA) vs. Terrance Hodges (6-1; Atlanta, Georgia, USA) – Lion Fight North American Heavyweight Title Tournament Semi-Final
Cody Carrillo (6-3; Wichita, Kansas, USA) vs. Chance Thackston (3-1; Abilene, Kansas, USA) – Super Middleweight
Crystal Van Wyk (p.d.; Cape Town, South Africa) vs. Andy Nguyen (1-1; Myrtle Beach, S. Carolina, USA) – Women’s Flyweight
Michael Triana (6-1; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA) vs. Cody Moberly (23-15; Wichita, Kansas, USA) – Lightweight
