I'm lighter than I've ever been, I'm stronger than I've ever been, my endurance is beyond belief, and my strength has really hit the next level. Two weeks before I fought Etim in Germany I was 182 lbs. Two weeks out before Mac [Danzig] I was 167. I have to put on three pounds for weigh-ins.

FiveKnuckles.com: So you're feeling pretty good going into this particular match-up with Mac Danzig at UFC 109?

Justin Buchholz: I feel good. I'm 100% injury free. I pace myself in training to where I'm usually 100% by the time fight night comes around. I just want to perform to the best of my abilities. If I do that, I know I have a good chance and I don't think I get as nervous as a lot of other fighters do.

My previous UFC fights were all on star-studded cards and the locker rooms are a little bigger so I've gotten to see how a few different guys get prepared. For some reason, I feel a little looser than most fighters going in. The way I look at it is the fight is going to take place regardless if I get nervous or not.

FiveKnuckles.com: Now, you've been known to put on an exciting fight or two as you've done in your previous UFC fights, but do you take a more conservative role against Mac knowing your back may be up against the wall facing your third loss in a row?

Justin Buchholz: Not at all. I'm actually more confident, loose, and ready than I've ever been. I know it might sound weird to someone reading, but to accept the fact that I can lose makes me so much more of a dangerous fighter. I'm not putting any more pressure on myself. I want to enjoy fighting and I want to perform the way I know I can. It's like Bruce Lee said: "be water, be fluid, be passionate, and be strong when the time comes." This fight doesn't have to end up one way or the other. I'm going to adjust to the situation, fight loose, be exciting, and not attach myself to any particular outcome because I'm confident in myself and where I'll go from here.

FiveKnuckles.com: It's apparent that you've learned a lot about yourself and this sport being in the UFC the past two years?

Justin Buchholz: I'm just not going to put a lot of pressure on myself like I've done in the past. I might as well have a good attitude and be ready to perform. I think people take this fighting thing way too seriously. They base their whole life off of a fifteen minute fight and that's just silly. (Laughs) That was actually me a couple fights ago where I would put everything into the fight like it was life or death. Trust me; I've been to the bottom. I've lost two in a row, I've seen how bad it can get, and I'm still here. I don't think fighting should define anyone as a person. I think a fighter should be the same person whether they win or lose....

Make sure to check back with us the day of the event for free, live, round-by-round coverage of UFC 109 right here at FiveKnuckles.com! Join expert analyst Mike Williams as he takes you through the entire fight card blow-by-blow and then keep it right here for all the post-fight news and notes you can handle!