Thoughts on upcoming opponent, Ben Saunders? He is a tough opponent who likes to kick, clinch, and knee. Though he likes to stand and trade, he is also very good on the ground. He also smiles a lot. When and why did you start training for fighting? My Mom bought me a membership to a Tae-Kwon-Do gym when I was eight years old so that I could kick butt like the Karate Kid. I have just progressed from there. Tae-Kwon-Do to Kickboxing, Kickboxing to Muay Thai Kickboxing, Muay Thai Kickboxing to Jiu-Jitsu, then Jiu-Jitsu to MMA. What ranks and titles have you held? The only title that matters to me is the UFC Middleweight title and I'm not stopping until I get it! Do you have any heroes? Punches In Bunches! Better Look Out! What is your favorite technique? Yeah, too many to name. I am the type of guy who can find inspiration in anything. What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? EVERYTHING! It's what I have always wanted and I feel it is my home now. And in order for me to leave someone is gonna have to kick me out. Good Luck. Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I just took some classes, nothing serious. What was your job before you started fighting? I worked overseas in Russia for a year with the US Embassy. That was some crazy stuff. I learned to speak Russian on the dance floor of numerous Russian clubs. It’s much easier to learn that way than getting the books!
