FiveKnuckles.com: There has been a lot of talk about the WEC and the UFC merging. When do you think will happen and how would a merger impact the fighters?

Damacio Page: I'm fairly certain that the two won't merge next year. The WEC already has most of next year planned out. However, if it does happen at some point down the road, it will be great. Fighting in the UFC would allow the current roster of WEC fighters to get more exposure and provide for the opportunity to earn more money. Also, it will answer the question I always get asked, "When are you going to the UFC"?

FiveKnuckles.com: What is the toughest part of the business of MMA?

Damacio Page: Keeping it pure. Being true to both yourself and the sport. Some of the fighters in the business go "Hollywood" as soon as they get some notoriety. It's cool to gain fame and notoriety by excelling at what you do, but don't change your personality in an effort to seek it out. Be real to yourself.

FiveKnuckles.com: You're currently ranked #5 in the world by Fight! Magazine. Who do you need to fight to be ranked #1 in the world and be the WEC champ?

Damacio Page: The Japanese fighters are really tough in my division, but the competition in the WEC is absolutely top rate right now, so if I get a title shot, and am able to become the WEC champ then I would most likely be ranked #1. The fights that I'd like to see happen are Takeya Mizugaki, Miguel Torres, Akitoshi Timura, and Brian Bowles. Any of these fights would be great for the fans and my career.

FiveKnuckles.com: You've got a lot of ink. What do your tattoos represent?

Damacio Page: I'm not one of these guys who goes out drinking with my friend then decide to get some matching tribal band. All of my ink has meaning. To be honest the tattoos are a mosaic of my life. The flames on my feet represent that in this life you have to be prepared to walk through hell to succeed. I'm a religious guy so I have tattoos of the Virgin Mary and Christ. I also have several tattoos that reflect and show respect to my Hispanic heritage.

FiveKnuckles.com: You're also a collector and builder of classic cars. How did you get started and what is your favorite ride?

Damacio Page: When I was a teenager my dad gave me a '79 Chevy pickup. We worked on it together. My dad taught me how to rebuild cars. I loved the feeling of accomplishment of rebuilding a car so I continued to teach myself. Eventually I was teaching my dad things. It's kind of like in martial arts when the student becomes the master; or maybe my dad just forgets because he's old!

All of the cars I work on have meaning. I have a '67 Cadillac Coup De Ville, a '62 Lincoln Continental and a '67 Camaro. All my cars are pimped out, but the car that means...