“I’ve fallen asleep (studying Ryan Bader’s) fights many nights. I think knowledge is power.”
“My goal is to not be taken down at all – and I believe in my heart I won’t be taken down – but if he does get me down, I’m mentally prepared for that. For the people who think a big factor in this fight will be Bader double-leg-diving me, I think it’s silly. I won a state championship, a national championship, and just because I’m a striker it doesn’t mean I haven’t been wrestling since I was 14.”
“I know all the hype is out there and it’s all good. But hype means nothing if you don’t put the time and effort and passion into it. The hype is a result of the work, and I have worked harder for this fight than I ever have for any fight – ever.”
Photos via ufc.com
Photo via combatlifestyle.com