Talk about how anxious and excited you are to get back in the octagon next weekend.
It’s been a long time. I’m very anxious to get back in there. I’m excited, I wish the fight was this Saturday. I’m ready to get back in there and show everyone what I can do. I think people are going to see me look the best I ever have.
Fighting is your job, what you love to do. How difficult has this layoff been? When thing’s aren’t running smoothly is it a challenge to stay focused?
It’s always tough when you can’t do something you really enjoy doing. That’s one of the main reason’s I’m so anxious to get back in there. At times it can be hard to stay focused but if I can’t train myself I still have all my clients to train which helps me stay on track. Now I’m injury free and training hard. This is the best I’ve ever felt.
Tell us something you feel that’s most improved about your game in the past year.
I’m a lot more confident in executing the things I do well. I think that will help me make moves a lot quicker when I’m fighting Couture. I’ve also trained with a lot of different competitors so I have a great idea of what works or doesn’t work at a high level of competition.
What’s your game plan for this fight? What do you think your biggest strength over Couture is?
I always go in with a game plan that I’ll be looking to execute. One of my main strategies is to always outwork my opponent, especially the longer the fight goes. I think my wrestling is definitely a strength in this fight. I’ve been an athlete and a wrestler my entire life which is a big advantage for me over Ryan as well.
Have you done anything different training wise this time around? Any new training partners you’ve worked with?
Training wise I’ve actually taken the intensity down a notch or two. That’s important to ensure I’m going into this fight healthy which will be a huge advantage for me. I’ve been sparring with 170 pounder Chris Cope who was on the Ultimate Fighter. Chris has been a great guy to train with.
How important is it for you to come in here after a long layoff and not only get a win, but send a message that you’re here to stay, and a guy people should watch out for?
This is a very important fight for me. I’m looking to come in, make a statement, and get back in the win column. That’s the most important thing getting a “W”, and maybe some style point’s a long with it.
Do you have any message for all your fans?
Thank you for all the support I appreciate it, it mean’s a lot. Thank you to all my friends and family as well. I hope you’re looking forward to this fight as much as I am. Make sure you watch my fight next weekend on Facebook!
-Matt Pellicane
Iaquinta Nation 