Kyle Dietz is a young up-and-coming fighter with tremendous potential. Training with Spencer Fisher out of Team Evolution, the Davenport, IA native has honed his Brazilian jiu-jitsu and muay thai skills to match his already accomplished wrestling, making him a formidable presence in the WEC's featherweight division.

Dietz (5-1) recently dropped his WEC debut, and his first loss, at WEC 41 against Rafeal Rebello and is looking to shake off his debut ring jitters against Noah Thomas of TUF 5 fame.

FiveKnuckles.com recently sat down with Dietz to discussed his upcoming bout, training, and get his predictions on upcoming events.

FiveKnuckles.com: Coming off the tough loss in your WEC debut, what do you think you learned?

Kyle Dietz: I was prepared for that fight, but I had the jitters. This time I won't let it effect me so much and be so emotional. It was overwhelming.

FiveKnuckles.com: What have you been doing to prepare for the fight with Thomas?

Kyle Dietz: I train at Team Evolution. I have been training with Matt Pena on my boxing. I've been working with Spencer Fisher, Drew McFedries, and others on Jujitsu and sparring.

FiveKnuckles.com: How has your training changed since signing with the WEC?

Kyle Dietz: I train my ass off. I quit my office job and now I've committed to training everyday.

FiveKnuckles.com: Who would you like to train with outside your gym?

Kyle Dietz: Jose Aldo, he is a beast. He's great at Jujitsu, but wins by KO.

FiveKnuckles.com: Who is your favorite fighter?

Kyle Dietz: Manny Pacquiao. He is a great fighter, 5 world titles in 5 weight classes.

FiveKnuckles.com: What do you think of the level of competition compared to The Extreme Challenge and other organizations you have fought for?

Kyle Dietz: It's world class. The best fighters in the world at my weight are in the WEC. We are exciting to watch, everyone comes out fast.

FiveKnuckles.com: What do you think of the UFC possibly adding the bantamweight and featherweight classes?

Kyle Dietz: Although I like the current format, it would be awesome to get the opportunity to fight in the UFC.

FiveKnuckles.com: Drew McFedries trains at your gym and is fighting this weekend at UFC 103 against Tomasz Drwal, whats your prediction?

Kyle Dietz: No one wants to spar with Drew. No one wants to stand with Drew in a fight. I'm predicting a KO in the 1st round.

FiveKnuckles.com: Team Evolution owner Spencer Fisher will be fighting Joe Stevenson at UFC 104, what is your prediction for that fight?

Kyle Dietz: Spencer has been working on his wrestling like a mad man. I believe he has the best hands in the lightweight division and will win by KO if Stevenson tries to stand toe to toe with him. That is Spencer's fight.

FiveKnuckles.com: We would like to thank you for your time and wish you luck. Is there anyone you would like to thank?

My dad, for always supporting me. My daughter, for the motivation in everything I do. My friends. My teammates. Levrige Clothing, Hitman Fightgear, Body Bag MMA, and Rival Fights.