It's not been an easy path so far for Mostapha Al Turk in the UFC. Handed dangerous French striker Cheick Kongo for his debut, the Lebanon-born British heavyweight was defeated inside the first round. Not one to complain, Al Turk handily took a fight with a resurgent Mirko ‘Cro Cop' Filipovic, an undetected eye-poke later, and Al Turk was 0-2 in the UFC.

With two defeats and a career on the line you would expect the 36-year-old to look for an easy victory, but instead he was booked to take on a member of the legendary Gracie family, in what would be Rolles Gracie's Octagon debut.

However, in what would be another cruel twist to Al Turk's career, visa issues dashed the former Cage Rage heavyweight champion's hopes of facing Gracie, and it was Joey Beltran who profited from Al Turk's bad luck, impressively beating Gracie.

One of the most genuine and articulate fighters you will ever meet, Al Turk recently spoke to FiveKnuckles.com and revealed that he believes his UFC career is not over just yet.

5K: Firstly, what problems did you have prior to the Rolles Gracie fight?

Al Turk: Yeah I just had a problem with my visa. For some reason they granted me the visa on the Friday, which was the day before, so I couldn't get there or fly on the Saturday. It was just a breakdown of communication on both parties behalf, it's not like I have a criminal record!

5K: How disappointed were you that you didn't get to fight Gracie, especially after Joey Beltran took the fight and won?

Al Turk: I was obviously disappointed, but I believe everything happens for a reason and when one door closes another opens. I now have an opportunity to fight in Abu Dhabi.

5K: What changes have you made to your training now you are set to face Jon Madsen?

Al Turk: It's quite different now, a lot more wrestling, a lot more takedown defense. He is obviously a good wrestler so we have been working on that. It's quite hard on the old body though, I have been through one 12 week training camp and now another!

5K: How will you try and deal with a strong wrestler like him, will you look to stand?

Al Turk: I don't mind, whatever happens, happens and I'll just look to take advantage.

5K: Is your UFC career on the line?

Al Turk: Obviously it could be if you get beat, but I'm not concerned. I mean look, in my last fight I got poked in the eye, but I shook his hand and I didn't kick up a stink. I have kind of resigned myself to that now and I'm not going to dwell.

5K: Do you feel that you have been given a very difficult first few fights in the UFC?

Al Turk: Yeah maybe. I would have preferred to work my way up slowly. But those were the guys they put in front of me and I had to fight.

5K: Did you ask for those ‘name guys' and did you see a benefit to fighting them? Or do you feel you had to do it the hard way?

Al Turk: There is a benefit, if I was to beat one of those guys then that would have been great. However, you're only as good as your last opponent and those guys are some of the best.

5K: What do...

Make sure to check back with us the day of the event for free, live, round-by-round coverage of UFC 112 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!