Next fight
07/05/2012
Recently I requested to fight Michael Bisping after he mentioned fighting me on Fuel TV's "UFC Tonight" show. It seems there is mutual interest between Mike and myself in that fight. The reasons this is a good fight for me is obvious. Bisping is ranked higher, paid more, and closer to a title shot than I am. In fact, these are the reasons so many people request to fight him. Yes he is polarizing, people love him & hate him, which Dana White will tell you is exactly where you want to be. That means people buy tickets and PPV's to watch you fight, and Bisping sells both well. If this fight doesnt materialize than I hope to fight anyone else in the top ten that helps me get toward that title. I dont have any grudges in this sport, I simply want to fight the best and one day be the best, while representing my family, fans, and sponsors well. A lot of people have asked why I am not asking to fight Vitor or Alan Belcher. I respect both guys as men and fighters, but I feel like Bisping is the biggest fight for me personally. Alan Belcher and I both train under Manu Ntoh, a world champion Muay Thai practioner. Therefore we have discussed fighting one another only when it matters most. I would be honored to fight Vitor, I remember watching him when I was an amateur and admiring both his skills and humility, but I am not sure when he is healthy again. I would love to give the fans the Stann/Lombard fight, we will just have to see how the cards fall after his Boetsch fight and my next fight. When I request to fight anyone, it is never due to a grudge or lack of respect. In fact, it is the opposite. I am paying them a compliment. It means they have what I want. Everyone knows to be the best, you have to beat the best. A lot of fans continue to question my skill set, especially on the ground. Everyone can get caught or have a bad night. I refuse to tell people how good my overall game is, I prefer to show them. I have trained with the best and know exactly where my skills stand. I can beat anyone, which goes for any top ranked fighter, it is all about who fights the best on that night. I will keep training and learning to ensure I am fully prepared to fight the best MW's in the world.