UFC lightweight contender Joe Lauzon talks about his eagerly anticipated clash with Kenny Florian on April 2nd at UFC Fight Night 13. You don't want to miss what he had to say about the fight as he predicts "one of us will be in trouble before the final bell." Check it out!

PC: Joe, we have the "Battle of Boston" in April between you and Kenny Florian. How do you feel you match up with him?

JL: I think we are both dangerous and have the ability to end the fight no matter where it goes. Kenny comes from a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background while I come from more of a No-Gi Grappling or MMA background. Since day one, I've been training without the gi and then shortly after for MMA. I think the fight is going to be all over the place and at a pace that most can't stomach.

PC: I told Ken this and I'll tell you too, for some reason, this fight really surprised me. I just didn't see it coming maybe. What was your reaction when they brought this fight to you?

JL: I thought this was a fight we would be seeing in a year or so, but wasn't expecting it to come so soon. Kenny and I both knew we would cross paths at one point, but not so soon. I had actually talked with Kenny about getting together to train a little bit at some point, but it never happened.

PC: In my interview with Florian, he showed you the utmost respect. What do you think of him as a fighter?

JL: I have the same respect for Kenny. Incredible competitor and an even more incredible technician. Just the other night, I was at dinner with a few of the guys I train with and my trainer and the topic came up about how soon someone could start teaching. Joe Pomfret, my trainer that used to train at Boston Brazilian, goes "I remember when Kenny Florian was a blue belt...he was so good back then when he was just a blue and was a great instructor." A few of us just gave him a look like, "are you serious," and then we all laughed. Thanks a lot Joe (laughing).

PC: What do you feel are your advantages coming into this fight?

JL:  I think I'm more explosive than Kenny and I have an edge in wrestling. I think standing and on the ground will be pretty back and forth and even, but my wrestling will dictate where the fight goes. Kenny is known for being an absolute workhorse in the gym as well so I'm going to try and outwork him. Every day in the gym, the goal is going to be to do more than Kenny does.

PC: Both of you guys have finished your last 3 UFC opponents by knockout or submission. Do you see this fight going to the judges?

JL: I don't see this fight making it to the judges. I'm sure that with the pace we both push, one of us will be in trouble before the final bell.

PC: We have 2 Boston guys squaring off. Will Dana White be the referee to complete the triangle?

JL: Guest referee Dana White? Lets do it! "Are you fucking ready? Are you fucking ready? Lets get it the fuck on!"

PC: How big would this win be for you, not only fighting a guy from your hometown, but a guy that many consider one of the most improved fighters?

JL: The most important thing is being listed as Number 1 on MassMMA.net, it's a local MMA site that ranks local fighters and me and Kenny are always at the top at 155, but it jumps back and forth. After this fight, we'll have an answer at last.

PC: Florian expects a war from you. Can the fans expect anything less than that?

JL: I always come in prepared and ready to go. Expect no less this time.

PC: You had a great 2007. How do you plan on making sure your 2008 is as good as last year was for you in the Octagon?

JL: 2007 was just scratching the surface. 2008, I'll really start to get my feet wet.

PC: You're not a guy that would be satisfied with just a good showing. You're the underdog in this fight. Are you approaching it like the Pulver fight?

JL: I approach every fight like it's the most important of my career. The Pulver fight was the first time I REALLY trained hard for a fight. Training for this fight will be much harder and will have even better results.

PC: Last question, Patriots or Chargers?

JL: Are you kidding? Patriots all the way.

PC: Good luck my man. I like both of you guys a lot. This is definitely one I will just sit back and watch. Is there anything you want to say in closing?

JL: I just want to thank Sprawl fight shorts for helping me out at every turn. People should check out my myspace at www.myspace.com/lauzonrsd and my website www.JoeLauzon.com . I am always putting up pictures and updates as to whats going on. Thanks guys.