EG: Mark, again congratulations. I know you're still catching your breath.

MC: I feel good. My breath's caught.

EG: Last night a bunch of us were sitting around in the hotel, and Tank Abbott sat there, you heard him. He predicted you were going to win this. Did you think at that time you were going to do it?

MC: I've been thinking that since they told me I was going to be in the tournament. I wouldn't get in this tournament if I didn't think I would win. There's too much pride on the line. I knew I was ready, and it's just a matter of getting the job done. I worked my butt off, and it paid off.

EG: It's kind of ironic because I know you wanted to go to the Olympics, and you got hurt during the Olympic trials. And now you were on a pay-per-view that may be seen by more people than watch Olympic wrestling.

MC: To me they're both equally important. The Olympics was my first choice but Kurt Angle's a great wrestler. I'm sure he's going to win the gold. I wish him the best of luck. [Note: Kurt Angle is on the U.S. Olympic freestyle wrestling team at 220 lbs./100kg, Mark's weight class.]

EG: What do you think this says about the UFC? Again two wrestlers in the finals, and again a wrestler of your caliber dominating all these other styles.

MC: Well, I've known all along that wrestlers are more than just wrestlers. They're talented people. It's just what I expected. I know there's a lot of good wrestlers out there that could do very well in this. It's just time for us to get a little respect now. We're going to get some.

EG: Are you going to do more UFC's? Would you like to do more of them in the future?

MC: 50 grand on the line, you're damn right I am. You know, I feel great. I love it. No sense not doing it. I was successful at it. Even if I lose, if I lose, I'll come back stronger. You know, I'm a competitor, and I'll come back better next time.

EG: Just one last thing. What do you think of those people that are against UFC, that say it's barbaric, and so forth? What would you have to say to them?

MC: That's their choice. They don't have to watch it. It is pretty brutal, but we all knew that going in to the tournament. There's always the possibility of getting hurt. But if you feel you've had enough you can tap out. So that's life. Life's a challenge. Life's tough, and that's the way it goes.

EG: OK, again Mark, congratulations, and thanks a lot.

MC: Thank you.