I have been asked how great it feels to be looked up to by so many kids and adults as a result of my popularity in the UFC. I have also been asked if I like being considered a role model.
To answer the question honestly, I don’t like the idea of being a role model. Kids who look up to an athlete or celebrity look up to only what they see on television, and that oftentimes is not the true heart of a person.
Kids have ideal role models, such as parents, family members or close friends who love them…they are just too young to realize it. One false move for me in the public eye could affect a child negatively for life. That is a tremendous amount of responsibility.
