As an African, there are certain professions your family want you to do or are willing to sign off. Being in the medical professional, as a doctor, pharmacist, a nurse, or being an engineer - those are the only professions allowed!

When I first got into the sport, or first got into athletics, I always felt that sense of responsibility that I was destined for something bigger, that I was going to do something major.

You don't ever want an African father to come to your school looking for you.

In other countries, being from somewhere else is celebrated. But not in America.

I would say my childhood was amazing.

The goal of this, I would like to think, for everybody, is to become champion.

Some guys just like being a fighter, and they live in that world, but I got into this to be champion.

A lot of people are still suffering from water-borne diseases... We want to create something where we can make life better for everyone.

In my village where I'm from, there's still not running water everywhere. People are still struggling to get clean water.

I believe, if I beat Demian Maia, it's going to be very hard for the other top guys to go around me.

If fans are willing to pay to see you fight, the promoter is happy.

Fans want to see a fight and be entertained.

Yes, I came into this sport as just a grappler, but the more I learn, the more it shines in my fights.

I'm a man on a mission.

I ask for the fights. Sometimes I get them. Sometimes I don't.

My body knows my limits.

I lived with my grandmother for a year when I was very young, and even to this day, when I tell my mother events that took place, she can't believe that I can recall that far.

I believe in karma.

Being able to open up and use my kick would make me so much more dangerous. It wouldn't even be fair to use some of the weapons that we work on.

I work with one of the best striking coaches in the world, Henri Hooft.

I'm not the guy to call the cops.

You never say never. That's one of the lessons I've learned.

Demian Maia, he's a legend. He's a veteran in the game. He knows how to fight. He's been through so many five-round fights. He's headlined a lot of cards, fought Anderson Silva for the title, fought Tyron Woodley for the title. He's a veteran, he knows how to fight, and he's always training. He's a jiu-jitsu wizard.

I'm good everywhere. I can defend the takedowns. I can get a guy down if I want them. I can keep it standing and strike. I can do it all.