Samurai Dojo's Dorian Hale ready for "controlled violence" at 559 Fights 97 Saturday May 13th in Visalia

Fight Week continues with a big MMA weekend ahead in the Valley, and when fight week hits the Central Valley, it just wouldn't feel right if 559 Fights weren't involved. 559 Fights is back at the Valley Strong Ballpark Saturday May 13th, 2023 in Visalia, Ca with 559 Fights 97: Moran vs Pimentel 2. Two titles on the line, including the 559 Fights Women's Strawweight Championship rematch between (4-2) Stacy Moran and (3-2) Angelica Pimentel, The co main event will see the 559 Fights Featherweight Champion (3-1) Martine Sandoval defending his title versus (4-1) Raul Mendoza. 

 

Also on the card in a feature fight of the night is Visalia's Dorian Hale. Hale was born and raised in the Central Valley and graduated from Redwood High School in 2021. He holds a 2-1 amateur MMA record and trains at Scott Harper's Samurai Dojo in Exeter California. I connected with Dorian and Coach Harper prior to the fight at 559 Fights 97. I started by asking Hale how he's been? And how training is going? He replied,

"I try to stay busy at home and implement productivity into my family life, as well as training efficiently and consistently. Having such an experienced and knowledgeable coach is great for the game, and that’s what I got most definitely at Samurai Dojo in Exeter. I get work in with heavyweight fighter Darian William and also the guys over at Virtuvian MMA."

Coach Scott Harper added, "The main things that stick out about Dorian are that he is very willing to learn and is quickly becoming more technical in how he fights and approaches his preparation. Samurai Dojo was away from MMA for about 8 years, we have been back for a year and we are still building a program. The team is small but they have an amazing work ethic."

Hale last competed at 559 Fights 96 where his striking looked on point before the referee paused the fight due to what was called an accidental illegal blow. The fight was then ruled a no contest. I asked Dorian how he felt about that fight? he responded with,

"It is what it is. I can’t change it, nor convince the referee. My hand was directed toward his head during the contest ending blow."

Dorian Hale vs Gino Gonzales, 559 Fights 96 - Roy Walker

Hale takes on Lompoc's (4-3) Joseph Palacios out of 805 Kickboxing, who has been very impressive since his move to the lightweight division.  Palacios also competed at 559 Fights 96 in April where he picked up a submission win. A win for either fighter here could put them in title contention. I asked Dorian what he knew about his opponent? and what his thoughts were on obtaining an amateur MMA title. He answered with,

"He looks athletic, that’s good for us both. The only reason we’re playing this game is to take titles. Samurai Dojo hasn’t had a fresh title in a few years."

Coach Harper followed up with, "I tell Dorian, worry about getting the win and everything else will take care of itself. I'm not concerned with a belt, just with the team getting better. If we end up with a belt in the process, then awesome."

I finished by asking Dorian what the plans were for his MMA future? And if there was anyone he wanted to thank or shout out? He said,

"I want to fight and see how far I can make it. I don’t know where my quit is but it isn’t before I fight pro, I know that of now. I want to credit anything appreciated from me performing to my fight Coach Scott Harper. Second I want to thank Jeremy Luchau from 559 Fights for the opportunity and great promotion. May 13th expect a fight! The only reason anyone is showing up is to see controlled violence. I’m going to perform as strong as possible."

559 Fights 97 goes down Saturday May 13th, 2023 from the Valley Strong Ballpark in Visalia, Ca. Doors open at 6pm, first fight is at 7pm. Tickets available now at www.eventbrite.com/e/559-fights-97-tickets-596061946327

559 Fights 97 Card:

558 Fights Women's Strawweight Championship

(4-2) Stacy Moran vs (3-2) Angelica Pimentel

559 Fights Featherweight Championship

(3-1) Martine Sandoval vs (4-1) Raul Mendoza

(2-1) Dorian Hale vs (4-3) Joseph Palacios

(2-2) Michael Ramirez vs (1-2) Salvador Huerta Cortez

Also on the card:

(1-1) Isaiah Munoz vs (2-2) Devin Guerrero

(0-1) George Torrez vs (0-0) Israel Gallegos

(1-0) Jose Estrada vs (1-0) Dylan Ludwig

(0-1) Abraham Tellez vs (0-0) Emmanuel Vasquez

(1-0) Joseph Hanford vs (1-0) Marc Bibiano

(0-1) Gabriel Rocha vs (0-0) Emanuel Zayas

(1-0) Richard Holguin vs (0-3) Alon Franz

(0-0) Gabriel Reyes vs (0-0) Kai Sakura

(0-0) Nathaniel Martinez vs (0-0) Edgar Del Toro

(0-0) Juan Guradado vs (0-0) Juan Valencia

(0-0) Trae Garton vs (0-2) Seth Upton

Fore more information visit 559 Fights at www.559fights.com On Facebook@ www.facebook.com/559Fights and On IG@ www.instagram.com/559fights

Visit the Samurai Dojo online for more info at www.samuraidojo.biz/

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By: Daniel "Trip" Quintana - www.noweakshitever.com