Former wrestler remains undefeated in mixed martial
arts with 28-second win
San Jose – Daniel Puder’s goal for this year is simple: “To become the most well-known athlete in Northern California.”
Puder began his march toward that type of recognition with his victory over Tommy Tuggle, who tapped out 28 seconds into the first round of their mixed martial arts fight Friday at the HP Pavilion as part of the Strikeforce event.
Puder, making his third appearance in the sport after switching from professional wrestling, stayed undefeated, improving to 3-0.
But to be where he wants to be, he said he’ll have to work his way past San Francisco Giants star Barry Bonds.
“I have to beat Barry Bonds out of his fame,” a grinning Puder said after his match, noting that he wants to be known for his skill and his generosity, rather than any type of controversy.
Puder made his way to the ring wearing a white rope with a United States flag wrapped around his neck because as he says, “I’m from the U.S., and I’ll represent my country.”
He kept his focused look on his face during his walk down the ramp to the cage.
Once in the cage, Puder wasted little time getting to work against Tuggle.
He immediately attempted to kick Tuggle, who grabbed Puder’s leg and proceeded to lock him up.
But that wasn’t anything for Puder to worry about.
He responded with an arm bar move that reversed the position on Tuggle, who quickly put an end to the match and allowed Puder to impress the local crowd.
“This is my home town, it means a lot to me,” said Puder, who grew up in Cupertino and whose parents moved to Morgan Hill his senior year at Monta Vista High School. “I portray myself as the clean cut, blonde hair, blue-eyed California boy. And that’s what I want to carry on.”
He helps maintain that image by not smoking, drinking or doing any drugs.
“It’s not easy,” Puder conceded.
Puder’s other goal is to keep fighting in California, particularly in San Jose.
“I’m from California and that’s why I’m fighting in San Jose right now,” Puder said. “I’ve talked about just fighting in San Jose, at least for this year. I might go to Fresno or L.A., but I’m going to at least stay in California. My main thing is to stay here with the people in San Jose and Northern California.”
While Puder has dropped three pounds since his last fight, he says he felt better than ever, although his plans are to work himself back up to 230 pounds.
“I feel fast, I feel I’m agile, I feel I’m limber and I can stretch better,” Puder said.
It took Tuggle only 28 second to find all that out.
