From http://www.ufighting.com

Apr 21, 2003 | 10:48 AM - by Golden Boy

GB: Hi Evan. First off I just want to say congratulations on your upcoming fight in the UFC.

ET: Thanks. It's definitely good to be stepping back in the Octagon.

GB: During your time off there had been alot of speculation of where you might fight next. Have you had talks with other promotions and what have you been doing since your last UFC fight almost a year ago?

ET: I have been approached by a few other promotions, but we never got to the point where we got into any serious negotiations. To be honest, the UFC is my focus. I like fighting in the Octagon, and that's where I want to continue fighting.

During my time off, my fiance and I bought a house here in Oregon near the Team Quest Gym. We've been able to get settled in, and for the first time I'm training full time. I've really been working on my skills at all levels. Other than that I've been playing around on Ebay, working on the new house and relaxing.

GB: What exactly was it that made you decide to make such a drastic change in your life by moving to Oregon to train?

ET: Up through the Tito Ortiz fight I had never taken the sport seriously. Being a fighter had never been a dream of mine. It was just something I was kind of doing for kicks. I had never planned on fighting again after the first night I fought. It was something I wanted to do once, just to say I had done it. I did well that first night and that was enough. I quit training. I wasn't even thinking about fighting. When I got offered another fight a little while later, I was thinking I could use the money. Why not one more time, and then that's it. That's the way it kept going, with me thinking each fight would be my last. I wouldn't be doing any kind of training until I got offered a fight and then I would bust it for a month and a half and step in the ring. Before I realized it, I had fought in the UFC four times.

After the fight with Tito I realized a few things. I was a naturally good fighter, but I had reach the level where I was fighting some of the best in the world, and natural talent alone wasn't going to get me by. I realized that compete at that level, you have to train full time and have full time top level sparring partners and coaches that are specializing in the same sport to work with. I had to decide if I was going to walk away from the sport, or make the committment to it and see what I could do.

I decided to make the committment. I had heard great things about Team Quest. I had spokent with Randy Couture a couple of times and was invited to come in and train with them for the fight with Homer Moore in UFC 34. All the guys made me feel really welcome. I really like the atmosphere, and energy in the room. I really liked the area. After the fight I decided to move halfway across the country, from Texas to Oregon, with my fiance, to train full time with Team Quest.

GB: The move obviously seems to be paying off. You have bounced back with three straight wins in the UFC.

ET: I think it definitely is. I feel really lucky to be training with the team. I couldn't ask for better sparring partners than Randy Couture, Matt Lindland, Dan Henderson, Nathan Quarry, and all the other guys in the room. They are all tough. Robert Follis, the head instructor, is really great to work with. They've definitely helped me take my game to the next level.


GB Let's talk about your upcoming match at UFC 42. Your fighting a tough opponent in Rich Franklin. Taking this match on short notice, do you feel you will be ready.

ET: It's kind of ironic. Despite taking the fight on short notice, I've actually been training for it for about three months. I just had a feeling that I was going to get called in for UFC 43 or as a replacement in UFC 42, so I started training months ago with that idea in mind. I'm in great shape. Maybe the best fighting shape I've been in. My technique feels like it is flowing well for me. So despite the short notice, I'm probably more prepared for this fight than I have been for any other. Rich won't be getting any breaks on that account.

GB What do you know about you opponent, Rich Franklin.

ET: I don't really know much about him. I hear he's a tough fighter that is pretty well rounded. He's built up an impressive record in some of the smaller shows. He must be pretty good if he's earned a spot in the UFC.

All of that aside, I don't think he has ever faced the level of opponent he's going to be facing in me. I'm ready for a tough fight. I guess we'll find out how good he is on the 25th.

GB: What can the fans who haven't seen your last few fights expect to see as far as changes you have made.

ET: Since I started training with Team Quest I've become a completely different fighter. I'm stronger, faster, more skilled. As far as what the fans can expect to see, hopefully it's nothing but excitement.

GB: That should be scary since you weren't half bad as a part time fighter. You had a 24-2 record going in with you match with Tito Ortiz. Since Tito you are 28-3 Your finishing percentage is one of the best in sport only having three decisions so I can assume you won't play it safe and go for the decision?

ET: Haha. I always go for the finish. I hate a decision.

GB: How do you see the match going and would you care to discuss any game plan.

ET: All I can say is that I'm going for the finish, no matter where we are.

GB: If you get past Franklin do you see a title shot in your near future?

ET: It just depends on what the promoters and the fans want to see. I'm not in a big rush for it. I'll fight anyone so if I continue to win the title shot will come.

GB: Evan, thanks for the interview and is there anything else you'd like to add.

ET:No problem, anytime. I would like to thank all of the guys at Team Quest for all they've done for me since I've been here. I'd like to thank the fans that have been with me all along for all of the support. Watch out, the best is yet to come.