FiveKnuckles.com: What do you think of the upcoming UFC event in Abu Dhabi, and do you see it as a natural progression of that country's support of grappling tournaments?

Sotiropoulos: The UFC was bound to go there. They love the Gracie's over there. They love jiu-jitsu and submission grappling over there, which is a huge part of mixed martial arts and the UFC. That's why it was destined to go to Abu Dhabi, and that's why it's going to be great, and it's going to be big over in that country. That's why they've got Renzo Gracie on the card. He's fighting Matt Hughes, the Shiekh loves him, and he won Abu Dhabi once or twice I think. He's an important part of the evolution of grappling and the event itself. That's why the UFC's going there, because there's a big following from Abu Dhabi.

FiveKnuckles.com: Holding an event in Australia will present a major adjustment in time zones for most of the fighters competing there. From your experience, how significant is this adjustment, and how early are you going to arrive in country to prepare and adjust?

Sotiropoulos: It's a huge problem because it's such a big time difference. It's a 13-hour time difference. We're not just travelling north and south, were travelling across the world. So the time difference is going to be huge. I think everybody's going out there 10 days early because of that reason. To have time to adjust. You don't want to go out there last minute, because of the jet lag. That's a very big issue. Going to Australia is a nightmare, and it can affect you very seriously if you're not prepared for it.

FiveKnuckles.com: UFC 110 will be headlined by a match-up between Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Cain Velasquez. Do you have any predictions on the outcome of that fight?

Sotiropoulos: I really haven't given it much consideration. But look, you've got a young bull that's ready to explode, and then you've got Nogueira who's been around for years. He's so experienced, he's fought the best guys in the world. They're both talented, it's going to be a great fight. Anywhere it goes it's going to be a great fight. Velasquez is a division favorite, he's up-and-coming, and Nogueira's name is as big as the sport itself. Outcome, I couldn't even tell, but it could go either way.

FiveKnuckles.com: I'm sure it will be nice for you to have a chance to return to Australia for this event. What do you miss when you're away and what do you look forward to most when you have a chance to go back?

Sotiropoulos: Fighting is the first and only priority for me going to Australia. Fighting in front of my family, and friends, and the country where I'm from, obviously is a great privilege. And it's going to give me a lot of exposure that I've never had before - that's coming from a professional point of view. After the event, I'll get to spend some time with my family and friends, and get to show my friends who are coming from the USA around where I'm from.

FiveKnuckles.com: You were just married last year. How does your wife feel about you competing in MMA, and will she be there at UFC 110 to watch you fight?

Sotiropoulos: She will be there. She supports what I do 100%. She loves me fighting, she loves me training, she loves what I do. She totally supports what I do, and...

Make sure to check back with us the day of the event for free, live, round-by-round coverage of UFC 110 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!