No rest for the wicked…

Coming off an incredible debut victory at AFC 15, Extreme MMA protégé Joshua Riley will return to the AFC and battle promotional newcomer Steve Cronin. Riley’s KO victory of Jason Petropoulos sent the packed AFC crowd into absolute hysterics in March, and he’s planning on continuing his hot streak come June 18.

We caught up with Riley to get his thoughts on his upcoming fight:

Absolutely stunning debut at AFC 15! Highlight reel KO of Jason Petropoulos  – talk us through your recollection of that fight?

I knew that the odds were stacked heavily against me, that didn’t bother me. I believe in myself and having an amazing team of coaches and training partners is what gives me the unbreakable confidence each time I step inside the cage. 

The punch couldn’t have landed any better; clearly you’ve been working a lot on your striking?

I am constantly working on every single aspect of my game to make sure that I have the advantage wherever the fight goes against whoever I fight. “No rest for the wicked”

Jason had talked a big game before the fight; he actuality said he’d finish you in the first round. Did that make the victory even sweeter?

I didn’t pay attention to what he had to say, so it didn’t really make a difference. I’m in there for myself and the victory was going to be sweet regardless.

How do you keep itself grounded after a debut victory like that?

Having world-class coaches around me everyday like Coach Amin Yaqubi, Coach Vik Grujic and Coach Dinesh Kanth is a constant reminder that there are levels to this; it shows me that the sky is the limit. Also, having top-level training partners like Nikos Trepca and Ramen Habib to train with is a blessing! (Those guys are real killers!)

Fighting Steve Cronin at AFC 16, your thoughts on your opponent?

All I know is that he’s a boxer. I’m focusing on myself and that’s all that matters to me. I respect his abilities but I’m not afraid of them.

Steve has a solid boxing background, sound technique and big power. Does this concern you?

No. I train with a great striking Coach (Dinesh) who is making sure I’m prepared come June 18th. Like I said before, I respect his abilities but I’m not afraid of them.

Where do you feel you’ll have the major advantages in this fight?

I always have faith in the process. I believe I’m doing all the right things to be superior in every aspect of the fight.

Training out of Extreme MMA – how’s your fight camp coming along?

It’s going great! Having Coach Dinesh work with my striking, Coach Amin working with my overall grappling game and Coach Vik helping me with putting it all together is perfect.

In one word, how will this one end?

WOW!

Get your tickets now: AFC 16 Tickets

Article by Josh Warner AFC