“I think Cormier is gonna come out and try to wrestle me, try to get me tired, and try to push the pace. I know he might not say that I’m on his level but I think I am and he thinking that I’m not, really.”

I really don’t like watching women fights.

It’s all the stuff I’ve been through in my life. From family struggles, people doubting me, things I went through as a child and going to prison, they all played a factor in who I am today. It really made me a better person. Going through those situations can make or break you as a human being.

I like to fight tough fights.

My heart outweighs all the talent. If they’ve got more talent, I believe that my heart will still overcome that. You’ve got to have heart to step inside the octagon anyway.

You know, once you have the belt you want to be less active, fighting once a year.

If I was really trying to be the best fighter in the world, I would be in the best shape and taking it more serious but I’m not.

I’ll fight anyone.

All of my fights, especially all of my UFC fights my whole career, I’ve never been in there without any kind of impingement and pain wrong with my back.

I’ve been in that situation many times before – where I’m losing and I have to knock a guy out.

I know I only need one punch to knock any guy out.

I don’t know how to do takedowns.

I don’t care if I ever fight for the belt or get the belt.

I don’t care what people think.

I know I’m the least technical guy in the sport. Most of the champions or guys at the top are real martial artists.

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 grew up watching my mom and my stepdad fight.