As he prepares for his upcoming fight with Nate "Rock" Quarry at Ultimate Fight Night 21 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jorge Rivera takes a break to reflect on his career, conquering his fear of getting hit, supporting the military, his internet acting debut, and making the "Rock" crumble into fine dust when they step into the Octagon.

FiveKnuckles: Jorge, you've been in MMA since the early days and have fought many of the best fighters in the world including a couple of wars with Anderson Silva and Rich Franklin, how has the sport changed since you first stepped into the cage?

Rivera: The entire sport has changed, everything from the promotions and related business to the acceptance of the fans. It's amazing, when I walk into the Octagon and 14,000 people are going absolutely nuts in one of the swankiest hotels in Vegas, you know the sport has changed, gone are the backwater brawls on a Louisiana chicken farm.

However, the most significant change has been in the quality of competitors and how they prepare for each fight. There are so many true athletes in the sport now. It used to be a sport full of tough guys like Tank Abbott and Mark Coleman who would get in the cage and brawl or there were specialists like Royce Gracie who dominated the sport with one skill.

Today there are so many pure athletes like a GSP or Brock Lesnar that are also very well rounded, man it's tough in the cage now days! Also, these modern gladiators have incredible camps that they train at such as ATT or AKA. When a fighter goes to camp now, it's like cutting steel, the camps are forging these amazing athletes into incredible fighters through an integration of all the elements of MMA, as well as, strength and conditioning programs. In fact, the amount of strength and conditioning required to compete in MMA may be the biggest change, if you don't pay your dues you won't succeed.

FiveKnuckles: You are getting ready to fight Nate "Rock" Quarry at Ultimate Fight Night 21 in Charlotte, North Carolina, what do you think about that match up?

Rivera: Joe Silva and the UFC did a tremendous job setting this fight up, the fans are going to see two guys give it all they have. I honestly think this fight has the makings of fight of the night. Nate is an outstanding fighter and true warrior who has a wicked right hand and is relentless in his attack. However, I honestly believe that I'm going to finish him, I'll hit him with these two pick axes I have for fists and he'll crumble, the Rock will crumble into a fine dust on the Octagon floor. I can tell you one thing, I'm either going to finish him or go out on my shield, I'm not looking for a decision.

FiveKnuckles: How has your camp been going? What are you doing to prepare for Nate?

Rivera: This is one of my best camps, my mind is clear and I'm focused on one thing, finishing Nate Quarry. Everything I do is designed to finish Nate,

I am working with my team. Peter Welch and Matt Phinney for my striking, they are truly amazing! Peter and Matt are both Golden Gloves Champions. Peter is widely respected and has coached on The Ultimate Fighter. ...