Fear is what makes us human… It will make an extraordinary person heighten their sense of awareness, of purpose, and will forcesuch a person to adapt and overcome…. While the weaker mind might recoil and faulter…. Fear will keep your mind sharp and focused, on the task at hand… 
Your cerebral approach to fighting will serve you in this fight… Remember your fundamentals and keep that fear locked up until it’s time to unload!!! Out-think, outwill, and outlast him. Your fans will be behind you and are confident that you will prevail… Kick his *ss, Ace….    –Brian White

    The week before a fight is always nerve-racking. At the same time I’m burnt out on training and I can’t wait to get on with the real fight I’ve been obsessing over.

    The most nervous I’ve ever been was when I was getting ready to fight Ken Shamrock. Everyone would say to me, “Do you realize you’re fighting the world’s most dangerous man?”  Ken had by then accumulated an uneven fight record.  At the same time, there was no denying he’d won some really scrappy battles and had been a major force in the UFC.  There was a lot on the line and I had a very difficult struggle keeping calm.

    I’ve been asked if my level of anxiety is higher when fighting a more highly-regarded fighter. Honestly, that’s not the case. Anyone who gets to the UFC is capable of splintering my skull, and I approach all with a lot of wariness. Wanderlei Silva’s stature in the UFC is high and secure. I’m approaching him with all the respect I’d accord to any animal I might encounter on the eastern plains of Tanzania. 

    Come early June, yes, I’ll be nervous. And I’ll be relying on my support system - my training buddies, my family and friends, and you. I will be ready - and with my emotions under control.