I've often said it is hardest to get an interview with me if you are one of my friends. I tend to hold our local pals to a higher standard.

That's why it made me so happy to see the performance given by our pal, JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ, at the last UP NEXT FIGHTING a couple weeks ago.

Here, we talk to this up-and-coming mixed martial arts fighter, asking about his beginnings at SYSTEMS TRAINING CENTER, the time he's spent training over at BLACKHOUSE MMA, and get to the bottom of the very best shorts ever worn to a weigh-in.

I hope you get to know this awesome fighter and mark the time and place of his next fight. He ALWAYS puts on a show.