I've always been a fan of martial arts, even before I did jiu-jitsu tournaments. I did point karate tournaments and wrestled in high school. To me, it was just an evolution and mixed martial arts was the next step. I just wanted to compete and train in it. I had no illusions of it being a paying gig.

I just love fighting. You lock me in there with another guy - that strategy, that game of chess - I'm in love with it. I'll be in love with it until the day I die. Now, if you want to strap a belt on me at the end of it? That's cool, my kids can brag about it.

I've been a pretty big guy my whole life.

It has always been a dream of mine to fight in Japan.

I respect Brock, all the other fighters, and the sport of mixed martial arts.

As a martial artist you have to be truthful about yourself so you can approach your training properly and get better.