Hathaway credits his experiences with London Shootfighters, American Top Team and 10th Planet Ju-Jitsu with his improvements on the mat.

"My grappling has improved so much from being at London Shootfighters just because of the amount of combat grapplers they have here, and teaching me to understand how grappling can be used during combat," Hathaway explained. "I gained many skills at American Top Team and it was really good to see how their camp was run. It was also great at 10th Planet because the style of ju-jitsu is similar to what they teach here at London Shootfighters, and because it holds so many strong points in MMA."

If you saw his submission attempts and defense against fellow prospect Rick Story at UFC 99, or his absolute schooling of experienced striker Paul Taylor at UFC 105, then you wouldn't take what Hathaway says lightly. And the youngster insists he is working hard to make sure he standup is just as solid as his ground game.

"I work just as hard on both aspects of my game, and I believe my stand up can only get better. And with the help of the excellent trainers around me, I am determined to step up my whole game a level for May."

Having fought in Manchester, Dublin and Cologne for the UFC, Hathaway is looking forward to making the trip across the Atlantic, and it is a prospect that excites him.

"It's exciting you know, I was at UFC 109 in Las Vegas and the atmosphere was amazing. It's going to be great fighting over there, I'm looking forward to it."

It seems that there is little to scare Hathaway, as the youngster takes everything in stride. With the world at his feet, 'The Hitman' is ready to put the 'Nightmare' to sleep, and really make a name for himself in the UFC.