Athlete

Aang hits the Avatar-state and he has this unlimited power. He enters into a flow state, you know, he's in the zone. That's how it feels for me sometimes when I'm fighting.

I do what I do for a job. This is fighting. This is a bloody sport. It's not a nice sport.

I can hit hard, trust me.

My first stadium show was in China, it was a 50,000-seat stadium. I think 40,000 showed up.

In boxing, you've got CTE from head trauma constantly.

It's about legacy, it's about moments, it's about being an icon - I'll do what I do and the money will flow.

I don't just think about the belt, I think past the belt.

The promoters in New Zealand weren't looking at me, they didn't see the potential. But when I was fighting in China they brought me over there as a journeyman so all their guys could whup up on me. Then they realised that's not gonna happen because I kept whupping up on their guys. Then they decided, 'Let's bring this guy into our team.'

I know what I bring to the table, I know my work. That's why I'm able to push for what I want.

Even in my first year in the UFC I fought five times in the year.

I'm not trying to be one of those guys that's bigger than everyone else in the weight class.

I don't focus on anyone but myself.

I feel like MMA athletes are the best athletes in the world.

I just have to do what I have to do. I have to defend my belt.

They say to never underestimate anyone, but they don't tell you to overestimate people either, so I'm just going to do me.

I've been a heavyweight in boxing, in kickboxing. I'll do it in again in MMA.

It's passion; if I'm not passionate about something I'm not going to do it.

That's the beauty of this sport. We're trying to get to the same place, maybe, but we're on different paths.

Aang is an Airbender, and he became the Avatar after the last one died. He has to realize his destiny as the Avatar by mastering all of the elements - earth, fire and air. For me, I feel like I'm mastering all the different styles or elements of MMA. It's my destiny to become the Avatar of this game.

I am not going to be one of these guys who doesn't defend his belt. I am going to defend my belt actively.