MMA lightweight contender Dan Lauzon talks about his upcoming clash with Frank Latina this Friday, February 8th, at the Aleppo Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington, Mass. Check out what he had to say about the fight and his desire to return to the UFC as he hopes to put on an impressive performance for Dana White, who will be in attendance.

PC: How is training going for your fight this Friday against Frank Latina?

DL: Training is going great! I'm healthy, I'm in good shape and I'm looking forward to it.

PC: Frank Latina is you new opponent. Have you been able to break down footage of him at all?

DL: I've actually never seen him fight. I grappled him in a tournament a few years ago and tapped him out, but I think his strength is his submissions because I saw 3 out of his 4 wins were by submission. I'm not too worried about the ground game.

PC: Things were heating up between you and Andrew Calandrelli. Is it disappointing that you won't get your chance to fight him Friday night and settle things?

DL: Yeah, it's definitely disappointing. It's the fight I wanted to fight because I just really don't like him; injuries happen.

PC: Was it tough to switch opponents or is it okay because their styles are so similar?

DL: Yeah, it was pretty much the same style. I'm looking to come out and stand with him and I was going to stand with Andrew too so same gameplan.

PC: I know you enjoy knocking people out, but you also have good wrestling. Is there any chance you think we'll see it?

DL: I'm going to go for the knockout. I don't think I'm going to have to take him down, but if he tries to take me down, I'll outwrestle him and put him on his back. If I'm on top, I'll keep it on the ground and if not, I'll get back to my feet and keep looking for the knockout.

PC: I take it you don't think this fight will go to the scorecards?

DL: All 8 of my wins, I've finished every one of them and I don't see this being any different.

PC: I know your goal is to get back to the UFC. Not only do you face the pressure of fighting in front of Dana White, but in your hometown in front of a lot of family and friends. How much added pressure is all that putting on you?

DL: It's pressure, but there's also a lot of support their too so I'm just looking to come out and dominate from start to finish and make a good impression on Dana.

PC: What are your goals for this year?

DL: I'm just taking it fight by fight right now and I'd like to fight in the UFC in 2008 so that's probably my main goal for this year is to get back there.

PC: Last time we spoke, you told me you didn't think you were mature enough to be in the UFC your first go around. What makes you think you're ready now?

DL: Back then, I wasn't really training as hard as I am now. I was going out with my buddies partying. It was like my freshman year of college. I wasn't in college, but all of my buddies were and I used to go visit them and hang out. I wasn't as focused at the time as I am now. I cut all of that crap out and now I'm eating healthy and staying healthy. I train so much harder and right now, I have double the wins I had when I had my first fight in the UFC.

PC: Good luck in your fight man. I know you will try to impress in front of Dana and I hope you get that call this year. Is there anything you want to say in closing?

DL: I just want to say thank you to all of my training partners at Team Aggression, Bishop's boxing, all of my sponsors, Tapout, Boston Brawler, Slaying Angels and Stars Guard.