THE CLINCH REPORT

by: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

All photos: by John Walsh The Clinch  Report

Most mixed martial arts fans outside of California have never heard of Joshua Aveles (15-10-1 MMA). He has never fought in the UFC or in Bellator MMA, even though guys he has beaten have, and as a drifter he doesn’t have an actual weight class. Instead he puts people to sleep in three different divisions. His record at first glance is lackluster at best. Especially in a world full of bloated undefeated win loss stat sheets. However if you look closely, and watch the fights, your eyes begin to open.

Aveles started his pro MMA career in April 2008, and was off to a very rough start. Most fighters with a 2-7-1 record would only look to continue fighting as a hobby. How many fighters can make a career as an earning fighter with a start like that? Instead Aveles decided to rededicate himself to his training and slowly things began to turn around.

Since becoming serious about life as a fighter, Aveles has amassed an eye opening record of 13-3. He has won belts in two weight classes and defended his title at welterweight twice. In that time he has also avenged 2 of the three losses with KO wins over both Bellator MMA Fighter David Gomez, and TUF hopeful Kito Andrews; both of whom dwarf Aveles in size.

Although Aveles fights at 185,170, and 160 lbs currently, he walks around at 175 lbs, which is a walk-weight more suitable to a small lightweight (155 lbs). So basically, he is beating up bigger stronger guys. And the fights seem to end the same way, with a lightning quick strike!

The fact that some of these guys have moved on to larger promotions hasn’t soured the humble Aveles. “I’m glad for them, really I am, cause I’m not a hater!” Aveles said. “I hope those guys do really well, and I am glad to see them fighting in big organizations weather its The UFC or Bellator!” Aveles said. “I know my time will come.”

Currently signed to the King of The Cage, Aveles is set to defend his 160 lbs title against  grappler Joe Condon (11-6 MMA) June 5th live on MavTV and streaming on PPV as well.

Condon, is a very tough ground specialist fighting out of Joe Stevenson’s Cobra Kai and on paper should prove to be a very tough opponent. “I know he is tough, but he is coming after my title!” Aveles said. Preparing for a well rounded grappler is not something lost on the predominant striker. “I train with guys like Frank Romero for jujitsu, and Danny Hernandez for wrestling… and if you can get Danny off of you, then you should be prepared!” Aveles said.

If Aveles is able to put together another highlight real win, it would be hard for the UFC or Bellator to ignore this knockout specialist any longer. All you have to do is watch him fight once, and you will fall in love with his style and heart. He is a homerun hitter, a true diamond in the rough.

 

Joshua ‘El Rey’ Aveles

Fighting out of:Team Diamond in Upland CA.

Aveles is sponsored by: TEAM DIAMOND, Adriana’s Insurance, Lucas Oil, Magic Sweat, Killer Tattoo, Never Quit, and as always he fights with his brother Steven’s name on his shorts, in honor of his late brother who passed away in 2007.

 

Aveles is currently the King of The Cage welterweight (170 lbs) and jr welterweight (160 lbs) champions . With notable wins over David Gomez, Sam Liera, Johnny Cisneros, Kris Armbrister, and Kito Andrews.

Sherdog Profile: http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Joshua-Aveles-31362

Team Diamond Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Diamond/113364138697989