Alan Belcher (14-5) is steadily making a name for himself in the UFC. In eight fights with the organization Belcher is 5-3 and has won two straght over opponents Ed Herman (by decision) and Denis Kang (by submission). Belcher's last loss came over a year ago against Jason Day at UFC 83 in April of '08 and he holds notable wins over Jorge Santiago, Ed Herman, Kalib Starnes, Sean Salmon, and Denis Kang. He talked about his excitement to partake in UFC 100 and fight Judo ace Yoshihiro Akiyama.

"Man, I just feel super stoked to be on the UFC 100," Belcher told UFC.com. "The fact that they asked me just totally blows my mind and it's like a dream come true. My last fight I was totally prepared, focused and I've matured totally as a fighter. The biggest difference between then and now is now I have the confidence. I know I belong in the UFC. I know that I'm going to be the champion. I'm just really happy to have a top opponent that I can really get ready for and just get psyched about going in there and fighting."

Belcher has had success on his feet and owns one of the more memorable head-kick knockouts in UFC history when he landed a head-kick to the side of Jorge Santiago's face at Ultimate Fight Night 7 back in 2006. While Belcher admits that his strength is in the stand-up department, he feels that he's improved on all physical and mental levels at this stage of his career.

"I guess my strength has to be stand-up but just all around it doesn't matter. I think my games coming together good. There's no one thing I'm really working on hard now. I'm just having fun training on everything. The fight against Akiyama, as far as an opponent goes, he's one of the best opponents I've ever fought. At this point in my career, I can't lose. I just gotta keep on rising. Rising to the top."