Submitted photo Cass Bell will fight at Bellators Salute to the Troops on Friday night.
Humboldt Countys most famous MMA pro landed safely in Hawaii on Tuesday ahead of this Fridays big fight at Bellators Salute to the Troops.
Arcatas Cass Bell will try to extend his professional record to 5-0 when he takes on Pierre Daguzan, a seasoned professional himself with a record of 5-3.
Hes definitely a grinder, Bell said of his opponent, a French native. Hes got fast hands and he likes to go forward a lot.
Bell has ended all four of his professional fights in the opening two rounds and is confident of a repeat performance on Friday.
And his strategy hasnt changed for any one of his five fights.
My strategy is kind of like, I always play it off. Ill see what they want to do, said the versatilebantamweight fighter, who was an outstanding wrestler at Arcata High. Whether theyre pressing in, or they stay outside and make me go after them. And then I just capitalize on it.
Whatever they want to do Im comfortable with.
Preparations have been going smoothly, and Bell says he is exactly where he is supposed to be in terms of weight loss.
And he says he is looking forward to fighting for the troops.
Theyre working. Theyre not on vacation, and a lot of them will be away from their families at Christmas, Bell said. But they get to take time off that day and we get to perform in front of them.
Bells corner
Bell also paid special tribute to his corner, most notably trainer John Juan Thompson, who runs the Institute of Combat in Arcata, where Bell trains.
Hes been with me since the beginning and he taught me everything I know, from a mixed martial arts standpoint, the 32-year-old Bell said. His knowledge of the game and the sport is so huge. Were really lucky to have someone like him in Humboldt County.
Bell also thanked trainer Levi Cope and fellow fighter Tyson Miller, a younger pro who also fights out of the IOC and has been helping the more experienced pro with his preparation.
He helps push me, Bell said of Miller. Hes way bigger than me and training with the bigger guys really helps.
Most of my IOC teammates, they work as hard as me, if not harder, pushing me and making sure Im on point.
Fridays fight will be televised live on the Paramount Network as well as on the Bellator App, with the action getting under way at 6 p.m. Pacific Time.
Bells family arrived in town on Wednesday and he says hes looking forward to having them around.
The family will remain in Hawaii after the fight to spend Christmas there.
You can check out our interview with Cass Bell on this weeks Humboldt Sports Talk podcast.
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Ray Hamill writes at humboldtsports.com, where you can read lots more about sports in Humboldt County.
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Bell Relaxed and Ready Ahead of Big Bellator Fight - Lost Coast Outpost
