With a 7-1 MMA record, Steve Cantwell continues his rise with his recent UFC debut win that didn’t pass the first round. His only MMA loss, which he avenged, is a sign that he should shake up the UFC lightweight division.

Tony: Congrats Steve on your recent win over Razak Al-Hassan and also your First UFC victory. Does it feel good to have your first UFC fight end like that?
Steve: Thank you. I couldn't have asked for a better UFC debut. Even months later, it is still unreal.

Tony: Did it surprise you that the fight ended so fast?
Steve: No, I never try to end fights fast, but they always seem to go that way. When you're in a long fight, win or lose, you tend to get beat up. I'm just glad it was in my favor.

Tony: Reflecting on all the hard work/training, do you prefer the fight to end quick like this or do you prefer the long 3 round war?
Steve: Like I said, it's always good to end a fight early. There's less chance of getting injured. But it sucks when the fight ends early because one of my favorite parts of the fight is going home, watching it and studying my weaknesses. I know what I can do in the gym, but it's always nice to see what I can do in the fight, and that’s hard to see when the fight is only 30 seconds long.

Tony: Who were some of the guys in your training camp for this fight?
Steve: Everyone at Sergio Pehnas and One Kicks Gym. Also Frank Mir and Blas avena. Mostly I want to thank Sergio Pehna, Nick Blomgren and George Prince, I couldn't have asked for better coaches.

Tony: There have been some comments that you held on too long to the opponent's arm. What are your thoughts?
Steve: I apologize for the way I celebrated after the fight. It was rude, classless and all around not the image that I want to portray. But I don't apologize for breaking his arm. That was his fault, not mine. Had he tapped, I would have gladly let go. But a lot of people seem to let his pride rain on my parade. I know I got too excited and couldn't control my emotions. But I'm only 22 and I'm still learning. And as far as Razak is concerned, after seeing the fight I called the UFC the next morning and got his phone number, called him and apologized to him for the celebration and wished him the best.

Tony: Since you took an early win in your first fight, do you plan on taking some time off? Or, is it back in gym for you?
Steve: The holiday’s kind of slowed things down, but since the New Year I've been back in the Gym. 08 was a big year for me and I'm excited to see what ‘09 brings.

Tony: Anyone in your sights?
Steve: All the new guys in the UFC, I want to establish myself as the new kid to watch.

Tony: Right now in your weight class, who sticks out most to you?
Steve: I feel the 205 pound division is full of great fighters. But I think it's time for new faces.

Tony: Do you feel you match up well against guys like Rashad, Rampage, or Forrest?
Steve: Technique and style wise, yes. But those guys have a lot more experience than me, and only time will tell.

Tony: Right now the sport is still growing, do you see it continuing to grow and continuing to reach new heights?
Steve: Yes, as long as they continue to bring in good fighters and great fights, the sky is the limit for this sport. I’ll be happy to do my part by putting on good exciting fights, with good exciting endings.

Tony: Thank you again. Was there anyone you wanted to thank before you head out?
Steve: I'd like to thank you for having me on. I'd also like to thank the fans for reading this interview. And, thanks to my coaches Nick Blomgren, Sergio Pehna and George and Matt Martelli. God bless.