Growing up without a dad and not having a father figure - I noticed a hole in my life. For the longest time, I would run away from my problems instead of confronting them. I felt empty at one point. Not depressed, but empty.

Spanish is actually my first language, growing up, and I understand the culture. I understand the culture; I understand what the people want.

I always wanted to become a student of the game and at least get six to eight fights before coming to the UFC.

The medal just was an object, just a medal, and that's it. What really meant something was the blood, the sweat, the tears that went into getting that medal. I'll always have the memories of that with me.

When I was seven we moved to Orpington, and in my new school, I was kept in for extra lessons to learn 'joined-up' writing instead of playing football. I still think that my poor handwriting and lack of soccer skills date from that period.

Sure, it's nice to get appreciation from the outside. But generally, I don't think personal accolades are appropriate in football.

I'm going to stop playing football after 22 years.

I get bored easily, so in general, I tend to mix up my workouts. I exercise in the gym with a trainer once a week when I'm in town, and I love yoga, golf and tennis.