"I knew he had a lot of experience with standup fighting and I had already submitted him before so I knew I was better on the ground," stated UFC lightweight contender David Bielkheden as he talked about his recent win over Jess Liaudin at UFC 89. Check out what else he had to say as he talks about his future plans, Ricardo Arona, BJ Penn and much more.
PC: Congratulations on your win David. How do you feel about your performance?
DB: It feels great; I am very pleased with my performance.
PC: Liaudin is a very tough guy. What was your gameplan going into that fight?
DB: Take him down, GnP him and submit him when he got tired, but he never did (laughing).
PC: How was your time in London?
DB: It was in Birmingham and it was cold.
PC: Every fighter takes something away from a loss. What did you take away from your UFC debut loss to Diego Sanchez and how did it help you in this fight?
DB: Well, I learned not to take fights at this level on short notice because you need to be very well-prepared.
PC: You obviously wanted the fight on the ground. Coming into this fight, did you feel that his wrestling was a weakness?
DB: No, but I knew he had a lot of experience with standup fighting and I had already submitted him before so I knew I was better on the ground.
PC: You've fought all over the world, as well as in both Pride and the UFC. Do you prefer the cage over the ring?
DB: No, I still have more experience in the ring so I still feel more comfortable in the ring.
PC: Liaudin attempted a couple of submissions on you. Were any of them close or were they just that...attempts?
DB: No, not at all.
PC: At one point, it looked like your ground and pound was going to get him out of there. At any point in the fight, did you feel like you were going to stop him?
DB: Yes, many times, but he was very tough and he's got a great chin.
PC: You're a big part of revamping Brazilian Top Team. How is it coming along over there?
DB: Yes, it is going very well and the training is very hard.
PC: When do you think we'll see Ricardo Arona compete again and how does he match up, in your opinion, with the light heavyweights in the UFC?
DB: Well, the last thing I heard was that he wants to fight next year and I know that he had many offers to fight this year, but I think he wants to fight in the UFC. I think if the UFC signed him, he would become champ in a year!
PC: How much does working with Murilo Bustamante help your overall game?
DB: A lot! Without him, I wouldn't be able to fight at this level.
PC: Is there anyone at Brazilian Top Team we should keep an eye out for?
DB: Yes, Mauricio Reis!
PC: You are in a stacked 155-pound division. Is there anyone in the division in particular that you would like to test your skills against?
DB: BJ Penn, but not yet (laughing).
PC: Was it a difficult cut for you to make 155?
DB: Yes, because I am normally walking around at 185 pounds.
PC: It appears all of the cards for the year are filled already. When would you like to fight again?
DB: Next spring because I might need surgery on my elbow.
PC: Congratulations again on your win at UFC 89. I look forward to seeing more of you inside of the Octagon. Is there anybody you would like to thank or anything you want to say in closing?
DB: Yes, I would like to thank my agent, David Gottesmann at DG Sports Agency, Murilo Bustamante, all the guys at BTT and Hilti BJJ Academy, my family and friends and my sponsors: Silver Star, Eckö unlimited, sight, WNT, and Flygpoolen.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]