It's been quite the uphill battle in the UFC for Justin Buchholz, but the 26-year old lightweight remains as cool as the other side of the pillow and confident in his ability to perform.

A well-traveled member of Team Alpha Male, Buchholz is 8-4 in his MMA career and received his call up to the big leagues in 2008 after dominating the Hawaiian-based promotion ICON Sport. Although he's been known to put together an exciting show on more than one occasion, four fights into his UFC career, his record (1-3) simply doesn't do him justice.

To his credit, his lone UFC victory over Corey Hill was one of the more impressive comebacks in recent memory. After taking nearly two rounds of severe punishment, the "Alaskan Phenom" back flip rolled off of the cage and caught Hill in a rear naked choke, forcing the tap as the round came to a close.

On February 6, Buchholz puts it all on the line against Ultimate Fighter season 6 winner Mac Danzig during the prelims of UFC 109 live on Spike TV.

I recently caught up with him after a rugged practice at Ultimate Fitness MMA in Sacramento. Buchholz, Urijah Faber, Joseph Benavidez, and the boys were all hanging out, having a good old time.

FiveKnuckles.com: From what I can tell, you guys have a lot fun during workouts. Is practicing with this bunch something you look forward to every day?

Justin Buchholz: Oh, for sure. We definitely have a lot fun in training every day. I think we all get more out of it when we're having a good time. The atmosphere at this gym is always upbeat, which is a change of pace from other places out there. (Laughs) Most of the time we end up hanging out here for a long time after practice because nobody wants to go home.

FiveKnuckles.com: Justin, are you familiar with the term "sour grape?"

Justin Buchholz: In what context?

FiveKnuckles.com: A "sour grape" is a term for a person that gets sick of the lower 48 states and moves to either Alaska or Hawaii to "get away from it all." I see that you lived most of your life in Alaska and Hawaii?

Justin Buchholz: (Laughs) Ok, I get it... I've experienced a little bit of everything along the way. I was born in Alaska, I lived in Hawaii for a few years, but now I live in California so I have nothing against the lower 48. California is my third stop on the tour; at least I made it here eventually. I went from extreme (Alaska), to the complete opposite extreme (Hawaii), to a pretty temperate climate out here in Sacramento where I get a mixture of everything. Hawaii was paradise. (Laughs) Alaska was an icy paradise. Northern California is almost right in between and I love it here.

I guess that makes me the opposite of a "sour grape." (Laughs) Maybe you could call me a "sweet grape?"

FiveKnuckles.com: (Laughs) Justin "the Sweet Grape" Buchholz? That has some potential? What color is the hair right now?

Justin Buchholz: I have to be professional these days so my hair is still black. It's been black ever since I've been in the UFC... when I was fighting for ICON in Hawaii; I was a little closer to Japanese influences. ...

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!