The charges include domestic violence, battery with a special relationship, criminal threats, and damaging a cell phone. Though he was arrested on felony charges, the District Attorney filed misdemeanor charges, each of which is punishable by up to a year in county jail and an undisclosed fine if convicted.

According to police, the incident took place at 10:49am PT on the 27th with Johnson then contacting police on his own before being arrested at 1:30pm that afternoon. Authorities said he was very cooperative and polite.

Details of the incident were not available, though based on the charges Johnson allegedly struck his ex-girlfriend during the incident and damaged a cell phone so that she was unable to contact police to report the incident.

When reached for comment, Nathan Brodnax of MMAagents, which represents Johnson, had no official comment on his arrest and could not confirm any details of the incident, but said they would be issuing an official statement later tonight or tomorrow.

Johnson, who was bailed out by an undisclosed party on the 27th through a bonding agency, is next scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial hearing on July 17th.

According to Twitter, Johnson is signing autographs from 6-7:30pm PT tonight at a Champs location in Las Vegas.

Attempts to reach the UFC for comment were unsuccessful.

Known for his knockout power, Johnson (7-2) is 4-2 in 6 UFC fights, including back-to-back knockout victories over Kevin Burns in December and Luigi Fioravanti in his most-recent bout in February, as well as a controversial loss to Burns last July. “Rumble” had been scheduled to fight Matt Brown at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale in June but withdrew from the matchup in May after injuring his knee during training. Johnson’s other UFC wins were first-round knockouts of Chad Reiner and Tommy Spear, while his other loss came against came against Rich Clementi in 2007 in just his second fight inside the Octagon.

Method says one name you can cross off the list of potential opponents is Strikeforce heavyweight contender Brett Rogers, with an opponent for Lashley’s next fight already determined but not yet been finalized.

The former professional wrestler and amateur and NAIA wrestling champion Lashley (4-0) successfully made the jump to mixed martial arts last year with a first-round TKO (cut) of Joshua Franklin. He followed up his MMA debut victory with wins over Jason Guida and Mike Cook, before scoring a first-round submission (due to strikes) of Bob Sapp on June 27.

Lashley recently announced that he intends to next fight in September.

Stay tuned to MMAFrenzy.com as we’ll pass along details on Lashley’s next fight when they’re available.

Eric Schafer

Light heavyweights Eric Schafer and Tomasz Drawl have signed contracts to fight at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale on June 20th in Las Vegas.

MMAFrenzy.com learned of the 205-pound matchup on Sunday from a source close to one of the fighters.

After leaving the UFC in 2007 following back-to-back losses to Michael Bisping and Stephan Bonnar, Schafer (11-3-2) has won four-straight, including UFC victories over Houston Alexander and, most-recently at UFC 93 in January, Antonio Mendes.

Drwal (15-2) brought a 13 fight win streak to the octagon for his UFC debut in September 2007, but suffered just the second loss of his career to Thiago Silva. After remaining out of action for over a year, Drwal returned at UFC 93 with a first-round knockout of Ivan Serati.

For the latest UFC rumors check out the MMAFrenzy.com MMA rumors section.

Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer today confirmed the appeal rejection to MMAFrenzy.com (www.mmafrenzy.com) via email.

“Based on advice from the Nevada Attorney General’s office, the appeal was rejected due to lack of remedy,” Kizer revealed to MMAFrenzy.com.

Johnson’s July bout against Burns ended in controversy after Burns received multiple warnings for poking Johnson in the eyes during the opening two rounds then put Johnson down for good in round three with an accidental-but-illegal eye poke that sent Johnson to the canvas screaming in pain. The referee immediately intervened and waved off the fight with most fans suspecting Johnson would be declared the winner via disqualification, however when the final decision was rendered Burns was controversially declared the winner via TKO.

Though the liklihood of an appeal succeeding was slim Johnson opted to file an appeal with the NSAC in hopes of having the result overturned, but the appeal was ultimately rejected by the commission.

Following the loss Johnson was forced to undergo laser surgery on his eye to repair a detached retina and is aiming to return to the octagon before the end of the year.

Jeremy “Gumby” Horn is a legend in MMA that still somehow stays under the radar. Most long-time MMA fans know him well though many new fans have no idea who he is. Horn is one of the most experienced fighters in MMA at just 32-years-old. Earlier in his career Horn trained in Bettendorf, Iowa with Pat Militech but he now trains in Salt Lake City, Utah with his own camp, “Elite Performance”. His notable career wins include victories over Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin, Vernon White, and David Loiseau. He has also faced MMA notables Dan Severn, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Renato Sobral, and Anderson Silva. In 1999 alone Horn fought 21 times losing just one contest. His current record stands at 88-17-5.

Jeremy was kind enough to share his thoughts with me on the current MMA landscape, his contract status, where he sees his career going, and more. Enjoy the interview…

FixXeR- What are your predictions on the upcoming UFC matchup between Dan Henderson and Anderson Silva?

Jeremy Horn- I think that’s a tough fight for both of them. It depends on who can push the fight into their strong point.

FX – Steroids have been in the news recently for other sports and there have been some fighters in MMA testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. What is your stance in this subject?

JH - It’s hard to criticize guys when they are fighting for a living. They are doing what they have to to compete. In a perfect world no one would use but this isn’t a perfect world.

FX - There has been a lot of controversy of the UFC on how they pay their fighters. Do you agree with the way fighters are being paid?

JH – I think as the fight world grows the fighters should be paid accordingly. I think the fighters are a bit behind the scale but they are getting more than they used to.

FX – With the recent blowup of the UFC, MMA has become very popular. What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue mixed martial arts?

JH – The best thing to do is get with a good gym and take it slowly. Unfortunately promoters care more about records than skill.

FX – You have beaten such top name fighters such as Forrest Griffin, Josh Burkman, David Loiseau, Dean Lister, Vernon White, and handed Chuck Liddell his first professional loss. What would you say is your greatest achievement to date is?

JH – I’m still waiting on it.

FX – Do you still have any fights left under your contract with the UFC?

JH – I’m not under contract.

FX – With a professional record of 88-17-5 and only 32 years old, do you plan on fighting much longer, or are you just getting started?

JH - I’ve got a lot more to do in the sport still.

FX – Are there any young MMA fighters you see making a big impact in this sport in the near future?

JH – There are a lot of very talented guys coming up in the sport. It’s only going up from here

Thanks to Jeremy Horn for the interview. He is a class act. When asking him for the interview there was no hesitation at all and he gladly accepted. With the sport growing as much as it is, I hope that for us fans that new fighters learn something from fighters like Horn, Anderson Silva, and Rich Franklin. We fans don’t care how good or bad you fight at an event, it’s how you present yourself and respect everyone including your opponent.

For more information on Jeremy Horn check out the following links:

• UFC Profile
• Wikipedia Profile
• MySpace Profile

If you are interested in a seminar with Horn, please call 801-538-5355

MMAFrenzy.com recently caught up with Gabe to find out how the fallout from the show has affected him and how his career is progressing.

John Balfe – Hi Gabe, thanks for taking the time to speak to us here at MMAFrenzy.com. You’re training with Team Quest now. How is that working out for you? What do you do on a typical day’s training?

Gabe Ruediger – It’s great, I really couldn’t ask for a better a team. We have an obscene amount of talent in the room and everyone is very supportive of each other. Our training varies from day to day, but it is also very structured. Warm up, drill position, training is the specific position and then hard sparring. We do wrestling, stand up, ground. The gambit of combat oriented training. There are so many different styles and training partners that we do it all. Wrestling, thai boxing, Judo, boxing, jiu jitsu, and on and on…

JB – You had your first fight since UFC 63 against George Kassimatis last August, in which you won via a first round submission. How did that fight go for you? Was there any anxiety ahead of the fight due to it being your first fight in almost a year?

GR – The fight went well. It was over in a little over 3minutes by submission. I had George mounted and raining down strikes in less than a minute, but we went through the ropes and the fight was restarted. It was a good thing though, because I needed the extra ring time. Yes, there was some anxiety going into that fight. George had a legit record and I wasn’t sure how I was going to react to being back in the ring. A year is a long time and I felt the ring rust in that bout.

JB – Do you plan on fighting again before the year is out?

GR – Of course. I was supposed to fight on October 20th in fact. I made weight and was very prepared, but the show was cancelled by the athletic commission 2 hours before the event was supposed to start. That was a big let down. I want to fight as soon as possible and keep the momentum going.

JB – Most people know you as one of the cast members of The Ultimate Fighter Season 5, in which you left the show in unceremonious circumstances. Have you any regrets about how your experience in the house turned out, and, in hindsight, do you think you should have come into the show not carrying as much weight?

GR – Of course I would have liked to have done the show differently. It’s unfortunate to look back and realize how well I could have done. I would have come in less heavy and focused more on fighting than being on a TV show.

JB – How does the actual experience in the TUF house compare with how the television viewer sees it?

GR – The viewers get to watch a VERY VERY small portion of what actually happens. The editors also take liberties with the actual time line. There a MANY things that are not in actual chronological order that I saw while watching the series. Take this into consideration. TUF = 1008 filmed hours over a span of 6 weeks = 13 one hour episodes – commercials = 45 minute episodes.

JB – Are you still in touch with anyone from the show?

GR – Yes. I still talk to Cole Miller, Andy, Rob Emerson, Noah Thomas, and Gray. Ive seen other members of the cast and haven’t had any real issues with them. In fact, I saw Nate Diaz a little over a week ago and we talked.

JB - How do you think you would have matched up with the eventual finalists Manny Gamburyan and Nate Diaz?

GR – Well, I truly feel I could have won the show. Both those guys are VERY tough and deserved to be in finals. I would have to have WAY different strategies for each of them.

JB – A lot of people list your coach on the show, BJ Penn, as one of the top pound for pound fighters on the face of the earth. Given that you’ve had the chance to train and roll with him, just how good would you say he is?

GR - How good? I’ve known and trained with BJ since before I started fighting professionally. He is the most gifted fighter I’ve ever trained with, hands down.

JB – You’re a former WEC champion. Given that the WEC now falls under the Zuffa umbrella, does that represent a stumbling block for ever going back and competing there? Is the door still open to a UFC comeback?

GR – I’m sure it’s a possibility. My manager talked to Joe Silva and he said the door wasn’t shut. We shall see.

JB – Moving topic slightly, what are your thoughts about Randy Couture’s departure from the UFC?

GR – I’m not sure. Both sides have their story and I’m interested to see how it turns out.

JB – Have you any messages for your fans, or sponsors you’d like to mention?

GR – First a huge thank you to my fans and family that have stuck by me. I always say it, but they will never realize how much I appreciate them. My sponsors as well. FAIRTEX, TAPOUT, SINISTER BRAND, ON THE MAT, FORTY THIEVES COMBAT CLOTHING. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to do what I love to do.

Thanks for the interview. If anyone wants to see what I’m up to or correspond, check out my website WWW.GABEGODZILLA.COM

MMAFrenzy.com contributor John Balfe caught up with Caudillo to find out his thoughts ahead of this fight.

John Balfe – You’re facing former PRIDE World Lightweight Championship contender Marcus Aurelio at UFC 78 on November 17th. How has your training for this fight been so far, and has it differed from previous training regimens?

Luke Caudillo – I’ve spent time training with a different camp in Albuquerque, Team Jackson’s. Training is going really well and I am very motivated to fight such a top level fighter in the UFC.

JB - Marcus Aurelio is famous for his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. How do you plan on neutralizing his skills and fighting on your terms?

LC – I plan on sticking to my game plan but if it does go to the ground, I’ll be ready for anything he has to offer me. This will be an exciting fight –on the feet or on the ground.

JB – Do you think that Aurelio is the one of the biggest tests of your MMA career so far?

LC – Yes.

JB - Aurelio is coming off three straight losses for the first time in his career and seemed somewhat gun shy in his last fight with Clay Guida. What were your thoughts on that fight, and did you see anything of Clay’s that you could adapt and put into your own game?

LC – It was a great fight and Clay is a really good fighter. Yes, I picked up a few things from that fight but I’m sure he’s changed his style for our fight.

JB – This is your second fight in the UFC. You lost a decision to Nate Mohr on your UFC debut. Some people say that, in terms of progression, losses are more useful than victories. What, if anything, did you learn about yourself in that fight?

LC – I do belong in the UFC and I am willing to take on anybody they set me up with. So, yes I did learn a lot from my loss and I will be ready come November 17th.

JB – 155 is a very tough division in the UFC. You have guys like Sherk, Penn, Stevenson and Florian ahead of you. What do you think a victory over a talented fighter like Marcus Aurelio would do for your career?

LC – Hopefully it will set me up with a top fighter in the 155 division but I must say that anyone in the UFC is going to be tough to face.

JB – Have you any words for your fans ahead of this fight?

LC – I plan on keeping this fight exciting and fast paced just like I always do.

JB – What is your prediction for the Evans v Bisping main event?

LC – Rashad.

JB - Have you any sponsors or websites you’d like to mention?

LC – I want to say thank you to my family, friends and team mates for all of their support. I’de also like to thank my sponsors; Tapout, Hard Nutrition, LA Boxing, T’s TKO, Kool Tattoo and CLA Technologies.

John Balfe – Hi Tamdan, thanks for taking the time to speak to MMAFrenzy.com. You’re scheduled to take on PRIDE veteran Akihiro Gono at UFC 78 on November 17^th. How have your preparations been going for this fight, and how has training camp been for you so far?

Tamdan McCrory – Training has been good. Everything’s coming together and I feel I’m going to peak at the right time for this fight like I have in my other ones.

JB – Can you describe a typical day’s training?

TM – Well I usually wake up and do a light practice; some drilling, footwork, bagwork and other technical drills. At night is when I do my high intensity work; focus mitts, sparring, grappling. I train twice a day 4 days a week, and then once a day twice a week.

JB – Gono has very good kickboxing and a good chin. Do you plan on standing with him, or would you prefer to test him on the ground?

TM – They always have a good chin until you crack their jaw with a solid punch. He’s been KO’d before, so I don’t see why it won’t happen again this time. I want to stand and KO him, but if it ends up on the ground, I won’t be in bad territory. I can win this fight standing or on the ground.

JB – What is your assessment of Akihiro Gono as a fighter?

TM – He has good kickboxing skills. He has a bit of a wierd style, but I feel it will turn out in my favor. He has good defense on the ground, but I’ve never really seen him do anything serious there. He’s known for good kicks and his rope-a-dope style, but that’s not going to work well for him in the cage. He’s a good fighter, and there’s a reason why he’s one of the top welterweights/middleweights in the world. I plan on winning and asserting myself as one of the top welterweights around myself.

JB – You have a significant height advantage over Gono and, while I haven’t seen the figures yet, I imagine your reach is vastly superior to his. Do you plan on establishing this natural advantage of yours early in the fight therefore forcing Gono to come inside when he wants to engage?

TM – He’s had to fight to get inside in a lot of his fights, so it shouldn’t be different for him in this one. Unfortunately, he’s got a lot further to engage if he plans to get inside me. I’m good on the inside myself, and I’ll duke it out if necessary. I plan on keeping him at bay with my reach until I set up the kill shot. I have sticks of dynamite in my arms and legs, so this fight should be fireworks.

JB – Gono has competed in 39 pro MMA fights and has been in there with the likes of Matt Hughes, Shogun, Dan Henderson and Denis Kang. Is it fair to say that an opponent with such vast experience represents the biggest test of your mixed martial arts career thus far?

TM – Definitely. He’ll be the most established/experienced fighter I’ve fought, but he won’t be the last. Judging by my year and a half career, and being 20, everyone has experience on me so I don’t worry about what I can’t change. I just go out there to do business.

JB – You’re one of the younger guys currently signed to UFC contract. Houston Alexander, for example, was 35 years old before he got his first fight in the Octagon. Can you tell us a little about how your road to the UFC?

TM – I met Erik Charles (Striking coach, CNY MMA) through Myspace, and I saw him face-to-face one day and started talking. Ryan Ciotoli (Grappling coach / Head trainer, CNY MMA) was there, and the two of them were working on starting a new MMA training facility. Erik was training for fights, and I wanted to get in on it. I ended up being one of his main training partners and I got beat on a lot. Eventually I got the hang of things and started getting a lot better. I kept fighting and winning and decided that I wanted to be the best I can be at this sport. I decided that I want to be the best, and this whole time I’ve been training to be that. I won 9 fights in about a year from the point I started training (not my pro debut, from the time I actually started training in MMA). I sent in an audition tape for TUF but they wouldn’t put me on the show because I’m not 21. I guess I made some sort of an impression and the UFC offered me a contract. Some people say I have natural talent and reach, and that that’s what got me where I am. I disagree entirely. I worked hard for all my success in this sport. I didn’t take any easy road. I got beat up, bruised, and battered on numerous occasions. I’ve never experienced recognizable success in any other athletics I’ve tried or competed in. I’ve been putting aside my schoolwork, friendships, and relationships to continue to grow as a fighter and compete at such an elite level. I put my time, sweat, and blood into this. That’s how I got into the UFC.

JB – I know you’re not looking past Akihiro Gono, but if Joe Silva and Dana White gave you free reign to pick your next opponent, whom would you go for? Who do you think you match up well with stylistically in the Welterweight division?

TM – Well as long as I make it on PPV or TV next time, I’ll be happy. I really don’t know who I want to fight yet. I take them one at a time. I want to move up the ranks as best I can and I want to do it fast. I want to be the next super young UFC champ. I’m not getting ahead of myself though. I’ll throwdown with Gono, then take a look at where I want my career and next matchup to go.

JB – Back to UFC 78, what is your prediction for the Rashad Evans v Michael Bisping main event?

TM – I don’t think either one of them looking very impressive in their last fights. I’m not trying to stir anything up, but that’s my honest opinion. I mean, there was huge controversy over Bispings win, and Evans only got the draw because Tito grabbed the fense. I think Rashad takes this one though. He’s got the better hands and better wrestling ability.

JB – Have you any words for your fans, or sponsors that you like to mention?

TM – I have to say thanks to my coaches for pushing me to get to where I am in this sport. I have to thank my fans that have always been there, even when everyone else has me counted out. I hope my fans that are down in Newark will come party with me after, to celebrate not only a win, but my 21st birthday. Check out http://www.myspace.com/thebarncat and http://www.thebarncat.net for updates.

Also, show some love and check out these sponsors:

• Revgear (www.revgear.com)
• Streetwise Fightwear (www.streetwisefightwear.com)
• Cryogel (www.cryogel.tv)
• Underground Products (www.undergroundproducts.com)
• RUUD Heating & A/C

As always, thanks to you guys for this opportunity.

Reinhardt was still offered a fight in the UFC, against Roger Huerta at UFC 63, but he was unable to compete after an injury forced him to withdraw from the fight. In just over a month he will complete his journey to the UFC in Newark, New Jersey though his quest to win a UFC-championship will persist.

Jason, who trains with Miletich Fighting Systems in Iowa alongside former-UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia and other UFC and MMA veterans, took time out of his busy schedule to complete an interview with MMAFrenzy.com and will continue to provide additional updates for the site leading up to his fight against Joe Lauzon in November.

MMAFrenzy.com: First and foremost Jason thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to do this interview. Let’s jump right into things.

Jason: No problem, anytime. I’m always available to the fans.

MMAFrenzy.com: You tried out for the fifth season of The Ultimate Fighter and didn’t make the final cut. Did this help you land a contract with the UFC or how did the UFC contact you about coming to the organization and taking on Lauzon?

Jason:Yes, I made it down to the final 18 for the Ultimate Fighter 5. It was devastating to get that far and not make it to the final cut. All I kept hearing was : “Your personality is made for a Reality Show” (laughs). I felt I did well in the TUF interviews. Who knows, being in the final 18 may have gotten me the exposure to be invited to the UFC? My first fight in the UFC was suppose to be in August of 2006 against Roger Huerta, but I had to pull out due to an injury. This was another set back. But, I never give up, no matter what. So, the UFC knew about me. I would like to think my dedication and perseverance also had something to do with me getting another chance. So, here I am fighting Joe Lauzon. Monte Cox and Chad Bergmeier called and said your fighting Lauzon in the UFC and I said, “Great, let’s do it”. I am very happy to be fighting such a tough and respectable fighter like Joe Lauzon.

MMAFrenzy.com: Right now your professional record sits at 18-0 with a wealth of submissions. Most would consider submissions your strong point but are there any weaknesses in your fight game you will look to improve heading into this fight against Lauzon?

Jason: Yes, my record is 18-0. I have fought some battles in the cage, believe me. I’ve had some very tough fights, and I’ve had some guys I’ve handled kinda easy over the years. I’ve always tried my best to respect all my opponents. Martial arts is all about respect, loyalty, and honor. Any fighter who takes this sport serious, trains hard, who has goals, and dreams I respect and I like seeing good people fulfilling their dreams. But, nothing comes easy in life. You have to truly want it…bad. I don’t respect lazy people!!

I have always fought who my manager tells me. It’s no different when I got the call to fight Joe Lauzon. Of course you have to be intelligent about your career. We are professionals. You don’t take a fight with someone like Joe Lauzon in a small show, where it won’t get you anywhere. That is stupid. I wish more people could understand this is a business too. I have been around a long time, and have seen a lot throughout my career. You save the Lion for the big show, in order to to showcase what you have worked for your whole life. Lauzon happens to be the lion. The whole world will know who Jason Reinhardt is after this fight: win, lose, or draw. If I didn’t think I was going to win the fight, I wouldn’t bother getting on the plane. As far as my submissions being my strong point as you say, yes, my record indicates this. I’ve won many fights by submissions.

Please don’t be offended, but I’m not going to tell the whole world if I have any weaknesses as an MMA fighter as you asked. Joe could be listening? And since he’s a computer guru, I know he’s gonna read this. I think every fighter has things they need to work on. This is professional fighting at the highest level. Come Nov. 17th people are free to make their own opinions. Let’s leave it at that. Purchase the pay per view, and see if Jason Reinhardt has any weaknesses. I love the fans, and I respect their opinions!

MMAFrenzy.com: How many fights are on your current UFC contract?

Jason: I have a 4 fight deal with the UFC.

MMAFrenzy.com: Were any other opponents or events ever discussed with you?

Jason: Yes, there have been several different shows approach my manager about me fighting for them. For example, Showtime, in late Jan. 2007, the WEC World Title in early Feb. 2007, against Eddie Wineland at 135 lbs., and the Gracie Fighting Challenge, in March 2007. I’m just very happy to finally make it to the UFC after all these years. When you truly want something in life bad enough, you won’t quit until you make it whether it’s being a fighter, a business man, an actor, a better husband, father, etc. Never let anyone tell you you can’t make it, or be the best you can be. I believe in being positive, and always surround yourself with positive people, who encourage you. Believe in yourself.

MMAFrenzy.com: Joe was recently quoted as saying the following regarding you coming to the UFC. Could you respond to these comments: “[UFC matchmaker] Joe Silva is probably sick of Jason emailing him, and it’s my job to shut him up. That’s how I got the fight with Jens, and that’s how Jason is getting in now. He is praying for lightning to strike twice, but it’s not gonna happen.”

Jason: Ya, Joe Lauzon tells the world to email Joe Silva and you will make it to the UFC, just as I supposedly did? Those were his words on his web site Joelauzon.com. All I have to say about that is every fighter wanting to make it to the UFC, all you have to do is email Joe Silva or keep calling him on his cell phone and he will get you right in. Man, it’s easy. You bug Joe Silva enough, stalk him, sleep at the end of his driveway, etc. and your in the UFC. It’s that simple. Lauzon says so. Or just email me and I will give you Joe Silva’s email. On a serious note come on, that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. I’ve never emailed Joe Silva in my life. Well, I think I did one time, just to tell him how I thought I was taller than him (laughs).

And as far as Lauzon saying it’s his job to shut me up? I’m not going anywhere. I’m a fighter man, and I’m here to stay. I have a family to feed. I have nothing bad to say about Joe Lauzon. If he needs to say those words, like “it’s his job to shut me up, etc.. etc..” that’s cool. It’s funny because I’ve not said anything that I’m going to do to Joe Lauzon. That’s not my style. So, in reality, shut me up how, ya know? All I have to say to this kid, is keep talking, because we are fighting Nov. 17th and when the bell rings all those words mean nothing. It’s just me and him when that Octagon door closes. I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve and I’m sure he does too. He’s a very good fighter, but so am I. This is why this fight has the potential to be extremely exciting. We both are very aggressive. Let’s face it, everyone wants to see an undefeated guy like myself fight, and many want to see an undefeated guy lose. I’m a marketable fighter so purchase the pay-per view and see what happens. I will not disappoint win, lose, or draw. The fans mean a lot to me.

MMAFrenzy.com: How do you think you match up against Lauzon?

Jason: I feel I match up with Lauzon well even with the big reach and weight advantage. Certain positions of the fight I match up good and not so well in other positions. This is why I’m working very very hard on things I need to work on with this long armed sucker (laughs)!

Hey man, it’s a fight, and this is the highest level, and I’m so happy to be competing at the highest level in the UFC. May the best man win.

MMAFrenzy.com: Last year you had to withdraw from a fight against Roger Huerta at UFC 63 due to a neck injury? Are there any lingering effects or are you healed and healthy?

Jason: I would rather not talk about my injury. I’m good to go. I’m strong. Let’s just say it’s been a long road but the point is, I made it and I’m ready to shock the world. You will never hear an excuse come out of my mouth.

MMAFrenzy.com: Looking ahead take us through your preparation for this fight in terms of daily training and what you will be focusing on?

Jason: I train with my long time camp Miletich Fighting Systems. Spencer Fisher has been working with me a lot, and is like my brother. Josh Neer has been helping me a lot, and I feel we have become close friends. All the guys man at MFS. Pat Miletich is the Master behind it all. I don’t feel comfortable telling the world at this point what I’m doing to prepare for Joe Lauzon. I am focusing on everything. This is not 1994.

I am very lucky to have the Gracie Barra camp 40 min. down the road from me in Springfield, Illinois as well. Miletich Fighting Systems is a 3 hour drive, so I have been going back and forth traveling, between Miletich Fighting Systems, in Iowa, and the Gracie Barra Springfield, Illinois. Academy. Professor Marcos Barros, who moved to Springfield, Illinois from Brazil, is a Gracie Barra Black Belt and has a very nice Academy in Springfield. His jiujitsu is amazing. He’s just an all around great person.

MMAFrenzy.com: Joe is in Hawaii to train with B.J. Penn. Will you try to change up your routine from the past to adapt to this?

Jason: I will listen to my coaches, and they are advising me on situations I need to adapt to and work on. B.J. Penn is a great fighter and coach and I’m sure he will have Joe Lauzon ready to rock n roll, just as my coaches will. A fight is a fight.

MMAFrenzy.com: There has been criticism over the UFC selecting you to face Lauzon in that they are protecting him from tough competition. Do you feel the UFC may be attempting to do this by bringing you in to face one of their more marketable fighters?

Jason: I will tell you what, if that is the UFC’s plan so be it. I’m up for any challenge. I am tough competition. I always come to fight. I’m nobody’s stepping stone. The UFC sure didn’t protect Joe Lauzon when they brought him into fight Jens Pulver now did they.

MMAFrenzy.com: We all know Randy Couture has remained successful as he aged. Do you think age will play a factor in this fight?

Jason: Randy Couture is successful because first, his mind is very strong, and he takes very good care of his body. I don’t party much. I may have a few beers after Nov. 17th though (laughs).

I’ve taken care of my body, even though I’ve fought tooth and nail over my chronic injury, I’ve suffered with for 6 years. I always am working out. I will be 38 years young come fight night. I feel age is in your mind. Your mind controls everything. So, no, I do not feel my age will have a bearing in this fight.

MMAFrenzy.com: Off the topic of your fight in particular what is your opinion on performance enhancing drugs in MMA? Is it as widespread as many fear and what do you think can be done to combat it?

Jason: My opinion on performance enhancing drugs such as steroids is that I would, personally, never judge a fighter or athlete for. It’s a personal choice a fighter has to make. However, for me personally, I do not want to embarrass the sport of MMA by doing that stuff. Dana White and the whole Zuffa team has worked too hard to have fighters tear down the good image of the sport. We have gone too far. If fighters have done them in the past, it’s time to stop I feel. We don’t need that stuff.

If it’s against the rules, I am personally against it. All it does, is cost you money with fines, you lose potential bonuses, sponsors, and it’s an embarrassment to your team, your family, and the UFC in general. Plus, you can lose your job as a professional fighter. Then, there is another issue…

There are situations where doctors actually prescribe steroids to help you heal from injuries. There’s a place right in Vegas called Cenegenics, where Dr. Allen Mintz has athletes who have been injured and prescribe steroids for healing purposes such as HGH and testosterone to help recover from serious injuries? He was recently on 60 min. Is he wrong? What’s the rules about going to a medical doctor for this kind of treatment? I believe this is a legitimate question? What’s the commissions stance on this? Is this against the rules? I don’t know. There are anti-aging centers all across this country which prescribe testosterone and HGH to people and athletes for real reasons, for your health. Some, for anti-aging purposes, and some for healing of injuries so what can be done to combat it, you ask? I don’t have the answers? It’s really a complex topic. Dana White is in a tough situation, and should not be criticized.

We are expected to perform at the highest level, and if we have a serious injury because of the demanding things we are required to put our bodies through, and go to a doctor and he tells us we can heal and continue to feed our family’s by him prescribing steroids, is this wrong?? I don’t know? I’m just being honest here. So, basically, in my opinion steroids have no place in our sport to improve and enhance our performance for the fight.. For healing of injuries, prescribed by a doctor, I don’t know? I feel it’s a legitimate question? Again, if it’s illegal, and against the rules, doctor prescribed or not, I’m against it.

MMAFrenzy.com: By what round and what method do you think you will win?

Jason: I personally think it’s about the craziest thing to say what round or what method a fighter is going to win a fight. Nobody truly knows at this level. I’m not good with that kind of stuff. 4 oz. gloves are unpredictable.

MMAFrenzy.com: Are there any people or sponsors you would like to publicly thank?

Jason: My sponsors I would like to thank are Doctor Randy Peterson, and Valera Peterson, Warrior Wear, Wally Shallabi from Midwest Insurance Agency, Drew Miller (owner of DMC Custom Homes). I would like to thank Pat Miletich and everyone from Miletich Fighting Systems especially Tim Sylvia as well as Mike Griffin from Pro Gym. Also thanks go out to my wrestling coach Miguel Murgas from Cuba and Greg Giddings They all have made it possible for me to train like a true professional athlete.

I would like to thank God for giving me the strength to never quit. I want to thank Jesus Christ who gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of us and who has given me the strength to never give up. Without him, I’m 110% sure I would not be where I am today as a fighter or person.

Thanks to my wife, my daughter, and all of my family and friends for all their support. Also thanks to Pastor Keith and everyone from the Miletich Bible Study, George Seaberg, and all the guys from the Wednesday morning group, who have inspired and taught me about Jesus Christ.

Finally thanks to all my MMA students. I’ll be home soon guys, thanks for holding down the gym.

MMAFrenzy.com: Thanks again for talking with us and best of luck in your upcoming fight.

This afternoon MMAFrenzy.com was able to speak with Karo Parisyan’s manager about a report that his opponent at UFC 78, Hector Lombard, would be forced to withdraw from their scheduled bout due to issues with Lombard’s ability to enter the United States.

According to his manager, Parisyan has not been informed of Lombard’s withdrawal from the bout and was still expecting to face the Cuban-born fighter in November.