Daniel Hernandez
Arroyo alum, Monrovia wrestling coach and pro MMA fighter Daniel “El Leon” Hernandez (10-9) winner of 3-straight and seven of his last nine bouts.
By: Big George Hernandez
Mid Valley Sports: How you doing?
Daniel Hernandez: What’s up MVS, I am do great! Things are going pretty good right now.
MVS: How’s your gym coming along?
DH: Gym is doing very well. About a year ago I separated from my business partner and The Vault MMA and Fitness was reborn and better than ever! Had a bunch of students return that had quit due to differences with my ex partner, and the gym just had better happier feel. We have more members now than ever before, we have 8-10 amature fighters and 6-7 pros. Things are going very well.
MVS: How’s training going?
DH: My training is going great! I train at my gym of course most nights, we formed an alliance with a gym in upland that is primarily Muay Thai called Team Diamond and they have really helped with my striking. I also go to a personal trainer named Kevin Riddle 2-3 days days a week. And so far it has all paid off! I think I have 1 loss in the last 2 years.
MVS: What does a day of training look like for you?
DH: My training is split up and different every day. Mondays I run and do conditioning in the morning and then train at Team Diamond gym at night for a couple hours. Tuesdays I go to PT with Kevin and then train MMA at The Vault. Wednesday I run in mornings and do Gi BJJ at the vault at night. Thursdays I do conditioning in the morning and then MMA at night and the guys from Team Diamond come to the Vault. Fridays I go to PT with Kevin in the mornings and I take Friday night off. Saturday we do MMA at the Vault in the mornings. Sunday is my rest day.
MVS: Looks like your next fight is a #1 contender bout, when and who are you fighting?
DH: Well that has changed. I didn’t like the idea of taking 4 months off to fight for title in August so KOTC has matched me up to fight July 11 first. I will then fight August 29th for the middle weight title against Sean Strickland.
MVS: What does your fight diet consist of, easy cut?
DH: Fight diet varies: usually cereal or fruit in the morning, Max Protein shake 3 hours later, lunch varies but maybe brown rice and some chicken, then another shake, dinner usually fish or chicken and veggies, and maybe 1 more shake. My cut is pretty easy. I walk around around 205lb-210lbs and when I start my training I go down to about 195lbs naturally. I usually only cut around 6-8lbs of water
MVS: What’s your favorite cheat food?
DH: Cheat foods is anything with cheese! I love cheese man!
MVS: Who are some of your favorite past and present fighters?
DH: Favorite fighters from the past are of course Randy couture and Tito Ortiz, in middle time would be Mayhem Miller, Rampage and Wanderlei Silva. Now I love watching Benson Henderson and Johnny Hendricks.
MVS: Anyone out there you’d like to fight or any rematches you’d like?
DH: Right now I am focussing on getting my belt! In the future I would love a rematch with Rick Legere, but I really don’t care. I am just focused on moving up and up in the sport.
MVS: Anyone one you’d like to give a shout to?
DH: Well I thank God for all these opportunities that have come, my fiancé Brittany, my daughters Mia and Taylor, new baby Gavin that’s in his way in July, my friends and family and training partners for being there for me always. My sponsors Giant Tacticle, Contract Killer, Max Muscle Monrovia, Fitness Factor, Demens clothing, Action Zipline, and everyone at The Vault and Team Diamond MMA and KOTC for all the support! Thank you all couldn’t do it without these people.
MVS: Congrats on the new baby boy and hope to see that belt on you real soon.
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