“That’s what really gets me going, thinking about my past. I think about all the tough times and bad times I’ve had in my life and I bring all that into the Octagon. That’s only because it’s hard going in there trying to fight someone who didn’t do anything to you.”

I believe the tough fights bring out the better fighter in myself.

I used to only train 30 minutes a day.

George Foreman acts more like my grandfather. He and my grandfather act just alike – they’re both Christian type guys. They try to help everyone.

It’s like I say all the time, it’s the heavyweight division. It doesn’t matter if the guys a black belt or if he’s a world-class boxer. We still have a 50-50 chance.

I’ve been in that situation three or four times before where I’m losing the fight – the fight seems almost over with – and I knew I had to finish him and stop playing possum as much.

I know Cormier is a wrestler so you really got to get them hips down on him so I’ve been working them hips really good.

Whatever the UFC wants to pay me for, that’s fine.

That’s usually the way I am – I don’t care what my opponent can do. I just focus on myself.

I’m not scared to fight anyone, I’ll call anyone out.

For sure, I would love to fight in Houston.

I’m an optimistic guy.

That would be great if I could be a role model or inspiration to those who have been in my shoes before.

It would be cool to let people know that it doesn’t matter what kind of background you have in your past, that you can still make something out of your life.

I don’t care if I am ever remembered in this sport for anything.

I go in to fight just to fight. I don’t care about submissions, the technique and all of that.

The sport itself is dangerous. Anything can happen.