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“Becoming the Target”

By PureCombat Staff Writer

Before Joe Morales tried his hand in mixed martial arts he was a United States Marine sniper. It was Morales’ job to find and take out his targets. Now the target appears to be on Morales’ back. After a successful 5-0 start to his professional mixed martial arts career, Morales appears ready to take his career to the next level after signing a six-fight deal with PureCombat.

“Right now, PureCombat has a lot to offer,” Morales said about signing his deal. “They’re a big show and they’re just getting bigger. I felt it was the right move to make for my career. And in my three fights with them, they really did treat me right.” The first of Morales’ five fights will take place Oct. 17 at the International Agri-Center in Tulare, Calif.

He will fight Visalia’s Josh Herrick in a 155-pound bout at PureCombat “Fearless.” It is the second time PureCombat has held a show in Tulare. “I know he’s a game opponent,” Morales said. “I don’t look past any fighter, and I know we are going to put on a good show for the fans.”

Morales last fought March 7 where he defeated Carlos De Soto at PureCombat’s “Backyard Brawl” in Tulare. The layoff from fighting has been longer than expected for Morales. He was originally scheduled to compete in PureCombat’s 155-pound championship tournament, but could not compete because of a mix-up with his paperwork and the California State Athletic Commission.

Wearing a PureCombat championship belt around his waist, is still one of Morales’ main goals. “My immediate goal is to win my next fight,” Morales said. “My long-term goal is to win a belt. I’m 5-0 and maybe two or three more wins will get me there, or whenever [PureCombat President] Al Joslin feels I’m ready.”

Morales said getting off to such a good start in his career has made him a marked man. “I feel like there has been a target on me for my last couple of fights,” he said. But he also said it doesn’t bother him one bit. “That’s the nature of the game. Everybody wants to be the first to beat me. That’s okay though.”

Morales made his MMA debut on Feb. 29, 2008 at a SOLD OUT PureCombat event, LIGHTS OUT in Visalia, Calif. He got off to an impressive start with a dominant unanimous-decision victory against Francisco Loredo. He followed up his performance with decision victories over Andy Salazar, Raul Rodriguez and Joey Cabezas. Morales recorded his first knockout against De Soto 2:08 into the first round in his fifth career fight.

In a brief interview with the promoter, Al Joslin, he said that “it was real good to sit down with Joe and his trainer/manager, Scott Harper”…….saying that “Joe is a great young fighter and has a good future with PureCmbat.” He added that “he thought PureCombat was the smart choice for Joe and he sees him going for the belt in the next 3-4 fights understanding that Joe is interested in taking it in the 145lb division.”

Keep your date books open for this event.......October 17, 2009 at the International Agri-Center in Tulare right off State Hwy 99 at Paige Street......As always this PureCombat event steps up and does a little better than the last one ...... Don’t forget about the weigh ins.......the event before the event.....The location is to be announced so stay tuned and stay in touch.....PureCombat FEARLESS ...........

For tickets go to www.purecombatmma.com $100 1st & 2nd rows, $80 rows 3 & 4, $55 rows 5 - 10 and $35 for General Admission. For any inquires into sponsorships or advertising please contact us at shelly.matlock@gmail.com