Q: When did you start your wrestling/martial art career and at which point did you start your transition in to mma?
A: I started wrestling in the 4th grade. Like 10 years old. Started with MMA during my senior year at Purdue University. Started hitting the heavy bag and doing some no gi grappling to get in extra work outs that were fun. Mostly just played around with it though because wrestling was the main priority.
Q: How much do you normally weigh before you start the weight cutting process?
A: Usually around 185lbs to 190lbs.
Q: Do you think you can train toughness?
A: I think you can learn toughness over time. I just always remember looking up to tough football players when I was a little kid. So I tried to be like them. Plus my father was a tough man to me because I never heard him bitch or complain about anything.
Q: Wouldn't you rather have faced someone easier to beat than GSP just to be the UFC fighter with the longest consecutive winning streak instead of being tied for the record with Royce Gracie?
A: No way. That would have been the best way to break that record. I could have fought a lesser fighter just to break the record but thats just not me. Im always looking to fight the best guy they can find for me to fight.
Q: Even though you're from the same gym and train together, how do you think a match between Josh Koscheck and yourself would play out?
A: I know exactly how it plays out. It plays out 5 days a week. But you'll have to come to the gym to see how it goes.
Q: Thiago Alves is on a winning streak against pretty tough opponents since he lost to you. How do you think a possible rematch would play out?
A: I have a pretty good I dea of how it would go, but I dont want to give anything away since a rematch is most likely coming.
Q: Do you think you can beat GSP in a rematch? If so what do you believe you need to change in your game and preparations for the fight?
A: Yes I believe I can beat him. I made some big mistakes lat time around and I will take those lessons and tighten up my game to another level.
Q: Besides a rematch with GSP, who would you like to face in the octagon and why?
A: Until I get another crack at GSP I dont really have anyone in mind.
Q: Finally, what would your advice be to someone that starts training MMA from scratch and doesn't have a solid bjj/standup/wrestling background?
A: training comes first, not fighting. Most guys want to get out there and start fighting right away. It takes many years of training to get to a point at were you have a strong enough skill set to become successful at fighting.
