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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 02: Alan Belcher works out for the fans and media during the UFC on FOX open workouts at Church Street Boxing Gym on May 2, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Alan Belcher

TRAINING: Every day is different and every day is hard.

Thoughts on opponent, Rousimar Palhares? I believe that he’s probably the most dangerous opponent that I’ve faced. I think he’s the most dangerous guy in the division and it’s a very challenging match. I have a lot of respect for him and I’m not underestimating him at all. I believe whoever wins this is in the top two or three in the division and really close to a title shot.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I was in martial arts as a kid and I got lucky that I got involved with people who weren’t teaching just traditional boxing or karate. I was 15 when I first fought in amateur MMA, and around that time the sport was dying out so I focused on playing football, baseball, and basketball in high school, and baseball at junior college. Then the sport started taking off again and the baseball didn’t work out, so I started picking up MMA again. I fought in a few fights and then hooked up with Rich (Clementi) and moved to the coast to train with him and fight for him full-time.

What ranks and titles have you held? EFL light heavyweight champion, Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Helio Soneca.

Do you have any heroes? I’ve got a lot of respect for Rich Franklin. And one fighter I really like is Takanori Gomi. You can tell that his mind is nowhere except on what he needs to be doing. He’s trying for perfection the whole time.

What is your favorite technique? Whatever ends the fight.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s a lifetime dream.

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