QUESTION: Which combat sport from the many that make up MMA would you consider your favourite, and why?
ANSWER: I like muay Thai the most. It is very dynamic and you need very good coordination to work with your hands, knees and feet.
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Q: Why don’t you have a nickname?
A:I think that a nickname has to come on its own.
I never thought about giving myself a nickname.
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Q: What led you to begin a career in MMA?
A: I used to do muay Thai and wanted to prove myself also with other fighters who have another martial art background.
MMA is considered to be the decathlon of martial arts, so this is why I wanted to prove myself also.
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Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: I am a very positive and optimistic person.
For my family and friends I am a reliable person.
They always can count on me. When I have my Arnold’s day (from Arnold Schwarzenegger), a day I can eat what I want, I eat at least three big ice creams.
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Q: Describe yourself as a fighter.
A: I think I am a well-rounded fighter. It doesn’t make any difference to me if I fight in the stand-up or on the ground.
What is your biggest weapon?
I am cool. I never lose my head.
I don’t feel any pressure, aggression or something like this.
For me fighting is like going jogging or eating.
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Q: Who was your toughest opponent and why?
A: It was David Olivia from the [United] States. He was really, really strong. I was a little bit inexperienced at that time and made some stupid mistakes.
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Q: How do you rate your chances of victory in Abu Dhabi?
A: I will win this fight. I am well prepared and hungry for the fight.
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Q: What’s your perfect day off?
A: To eat what I want, and I can eat a lot, and in the evening a big party.
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Q: Where do you see your career in three years’ time?
A: In three years I will fight top-10 fighters from the UFC.
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Q: What do you say to people who call UFC barbaric?
A: UFC is the Champions League of fighting.
We have rules. Of course, it is not a sport for everybody.
But every fighter fighting at UFC level is prepared.
It is not dangerous at all. Boxing is more dangerous.
But I’ve heard that the sport where you have the most injuries is squash.
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