MMA Sports: How did
you get started in MMA?
Roger: Basically I started out wrestling, and went to Augsburg where I
wrestled for a year. In that year I went to a fight and became intrigued
by it. I thought that I could maybe do it as a side job or hobby, but
fell in love with the sport so much that I quit wrestling to focus on
it.
MMA Sports: You've had over 20 fights in your
career, winning almost all of them. Which has been the toughest and
which has been the most memorable to you?
Roger: Actually the same fight goes for both. That was in my last fight,
against Clay Guida. I was down on all cards, and my heart really showed
in there. It took a different level as a fighter to beat someone like
Clay.
MMA Sports: You've got a big fight coming up
this weekend against Kenny Florian, how do you see this fight going?
Roger: Kenny is a great fighter, he is determined. Has a lot of intelligence
and always comes in with a good game plan. And I have a lot of heart,
and skill…and come in with a game plan as well. We will just be looking
for mistakes. It will come down to who outlasts who.
MMA Sports: And not to look past Kenny at all,
but its said winner gets Penn. How do you see a fight with him playing
out?
Roger: You know, I can’t really answer that. Kenny Florian is my only
concern right now. He can be the most dangerous fighter to me now. So
all my focus is on him.
MMA Sports: How’s your training going? Heard
you have been training with GSP?
Roger: Great. I have been training with Georges for awhile now. He is
just such a superior athlete, a workhorse, and a great role model/champion.
But I have just been getting ready for my fight!
MMA Sports: I heard that you have been considering
a move to welterweight?
Roger: Ahh, yeah. Maybe 3-4 years, when it gets tough to cut the weight.
I am getting older so you know...there will come a time when that seems
like the right thing to do. I think it comes down to maturity.
MMA Sports: Who would you say is P4P the best
fighter in MMA?
Roger: Man, that’s hard to answer. There are so many right now...you
have Georges, and Anderson…and Fedor…and you have BJ. There’s just too
many to pick one.
MMA Sports: You get to be Joe SIlva for a day,
what’s the one fight you have to see?
Roger: Umm...the one fight I'd like to see...I'd probably have to say
Georges vs Anderson.
MMA Sports: And my last question, I always ask
everyone this one...If they made a movie about your life…what would
the title be, and who would play Roger?
Roger: haha, hmm...I dont know, I've never really thought of that before......
MMA Sports: haha don’t worry, its cool...so anything
you wanna finish with?
Roger: Just wanted to thank my Family and Friends for their support,
and everyone who has helped me get ready…you all know who you are and
that I love you all very much.
MMA Sports: Alright, thanks Roger and good luck
this weekend!
Roger: Alright, and thank you.
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