"I would like to have a couple of fights in the UFC...I'm one of those guys that, if it's going to be an exciting fight and a good matchup for the fans to watch, let's get it on. I have nothing to prove, so I'm down to fight anyone if it's going to be exciting for the fans to watch...Right now, it's all up to the UFC...I'm ready to get back in the cage and give it all I got before I am done. If it all goes right, I'm sure the fans will be happy with my performances," stated former Strikeforce middleweight champion Cung Le as he talked about his strong desire to fight inside the Octagon for the UFC before his career over. You don't want to miss what else he had to say. Check it out!
PC: How is everything going Cung?
CL: Everything is going good.
PC: What was your initial reaction when Zuffa purchased Strikeforce?
CL: Um, I was actually quite surprised. I didn't have any thoughts at the time, but I was taken by surprise, definitely.
PC: You have been hinting around like this is the tail end of your career. Would you like to fight in the UFC a couple of times before you call it quits?
CL: I would really like that, yes. I would like to have a couple of fights in the UFC.
PC: There are several intriguing matchups for you in the UFC that I can think of off the top of my head. Is there anyone in particular that you would like to face?
CL: No, you know, I'm one of those guys that, if it's going to be an exciting fight and a good matchup for the fans to watch, let's get it on. I have nothing to prove, so I'm down to fight anyone if it's going to be exciting for the fans to watch.
PC: You have had a long fighting career, of course starting in kickboxing and now 8 fights into your mixed martial arts career. What would you like to be remembered for when it's all said and done?
CL: That I am a true martial artist and that I left everything in that cage or ring, and that I fight with all of my heart. I want to be remembered as a fan pleaser.
PC: What's your current situation as far as your Strikeforce/Showtime deal? Could the UFC sign you to fight right now?
CL: I definitely have a different contract than the other fighters. Right now, it's all up to the UFC. There may be some roadblocks with the Showtime deal and the Showtime side of things, but we will see what happens.
PC: When would you like something to be ironed out and possibly fight again?
CL: Ever since I heard that Cain [Velasquez] was going to be fighting in San Jose. I would love to be on the same card.
PC: For sure. You also corner several fighters. Do you enjoy the teaching aspect of fighting as well?
CL: Well, you know, I have been teaching, training and fighting since 1995. It's been fun because you get to see it from all angles of martial arts in the MMA world, from coaching and fighting.
PC: At one point, there was a poll done and a lot of people wanted to see Cung Le vs. Anderson Silva. Not only is there Anderson now, but a lot of guys have emerged in the 185-pound division as contenders, such as Brian Stann, Mark Munoz, Chris Leben and Chael Sonnen. Would you be interested in any of those names? Are those the type of fights you're looking to make?
CL: You know, on Yahoo! Sports, there is a Cung Le vs. Leben thread if there was a cross promotion. Like I said, if the fans think it is an exciting fight for them to watch, I'm all for it.
PC: You have also been involved in some great movies. Is there anything on the big screen horizon that we can look out for from you?
CL: I have "The Man with the Iron Fist" with Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu coming out next year. I got "Dragon Eye" coming out, but I'm not sure if it's going to come out at the end of this year or early next year. And I'm also in the middle of filming "Grand Masters." I gotta go back to China for maybe a week to finish up my part. That's a Chinese movie directed by two great directors in Wong Kar Wai and also Master Woo Ping, who is the action director.
PC: Well, you stay a busy man. I want to wish you the best of luck with all of your endeavors and I hope to see you in the cage again soon. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
CL: I just want to say thanks to all of the fans. I'm ready to get back in the cage and give it all I got before I am done. If it all goes right, I'm sure the fans will be happy with my performances. Thank you too!
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]