Muscle Sport Magazine

Tito Ortiz-Rampage Jackson Bellator MMA Undercard Featuring Daniel Straus

The night of November 2nd, 2013 will change one man’s life. Daniel Straus (21-4), the #8 world ranked Featherweight by USA Today Sports will face #5 world ranked and Title Champion Pat Curran (19-4) in a 5-round title bout on Bellator’s first ever pay-per-view card headlined by Ortiz vs Rampage.

“I’ve been waiting for this fight for over a year,” said Daniel Straus. “So many things kept this fight from happening- injuries, another tournament champion waiting for his shot in front of me, my legal issues.”

Straus, who was arrested earlier this year for possession of marijuana was unsure if this Title match would even happen. “I never got the opportunity to tell my side of the story,” said Daniel. “I’ve had to overcome so much adversity in life to get to this point. I was in the wrong place, at the wrong time, in a car with people I didn’t even know.

Luckily it all got resolved.” While Straus was not released by Bellator during this period, his Title shot was put on hold until all legal issues could be cleared up. “I also feel like everyone expects me to loose, but, I have no intentions of doing so. I have a new daughter. My entire life now focuses on ensuring her well being and no one, no one, is going to take food off my daughter’s plate,” said Straus.

With a new incentive on life and the potential to finally make a decent living, Straus has changed everything about how he is preparing for this fight. He recently permanently moved to Coconut Creek, FL to train full time at American Top Team under Ricardo Liborio. He has increased his conditioning workouts and has been doing cardio with UFC fighter Jorge Masvidal.

“Daniel’s a very low key guy. He hangs out at home and he trains,” said Tina Vidal-Smith, Straus’ manager. “His entire life is focused on his daughter and his career. We have full faith in Daniel and his abilities, and expect him to come home with the belt on November 2nd.”

Curran has won six in a row and this will be his third title defense. Curran and Straus met in the cage previously in 2009 for XFO 29 where Straus was knocked out in the second round. “Curran is a tough fighter, one of the best Featherweights out there,” said Daniel. “But, on November 2nd I will be better. I’m out to prove my worth, my right to stand in the center of that cage as Bellator’s new Featherweight Champion. I’m out to change my life.”

Straus’ fight for Bellator Ortiz vs Rampage will take place Saturday, November 2, 2013 at the Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, CA and will be aired live on pay-per-view. Follow Straus on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/daniel.straus.5?fref=ts or on Twitter @danielstraus.

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:

Tina Vidal-Smith (786) 423-0577 tvidal@molonlabemma.com

About ML Management Group ML Management Group was founded by a group of business executives and entrepreneurs to provide talent management specifically to the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) industry. ML Management Group takes a comprehensive approach to MMA management, providing our clientele with a holistic approach and professional business environment for them to manage and further their careers, financial interests, and personal life objectives. Visit us at www.molonlabemma.com.

Source: ML Management Group

Photo: Tom Hill Photos

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