Bellator lightweight, David ‘Caveman’ Rickels was gracious enough to answer a few questions for us. David Rickels is one of the top fighters in Bellator’s lightweight division, and he has fought some of the best in the business. Before his headlining fight at Bellator 171, ‘Caveman’ answered a few questions for us.

You are fighting Aaron Derrow at Bellator 171 in the main event on January 27th. How is preparation for this fight going?

Going great. This fight is actually at 170 so I got to be a bit of a fat boy over the holidays. Training pretty much stays the same though. Lots of conditioning and working on getting my body timed in for a fist fight.

I know you can’t give away too much of your game plan, but do you see any weaknesses in Derrow’s game that you plan on exploiting?

His stand up is long, but slow. Almost no kicks to speak of but we both know grappling is his strength. Game plan is volume and pressure as always.

Most people know you as one of the top fighters in Bellator’s lightweight division, but can you tell us a little more about yourself? Who is David Rickels?

Rickels is/was one of the most savage animals ever known basically up until I had kids. Now I’m pretty chill. I’ve evolved into the family caveman.

You’ve had a very successful career thus far, but what else would you like to achieve before you retire, or even beyond?

One of my biggest goals was getting my teammates onto the big stage with me. I’m always nudging them to choose Bellator and it’s slowly been happening with Chris Harris, Jessica Middleton, Brandon Phillips and Manuel Meraz all being Bellator fighters now.

The selfish me still has my own goals though. I want to make one more big run for the title. I need to streak some wins and it starts with Derrow.

You’ve been in some cracking fights during your career. What fight was the toughest for you, whether it be the fight itself or the build up?

The toughest fight was my last fight with Melvin (Guillard) only because I felt the sharpest and most prepared for that fight and to come up short hurt. My best attribute is always landing on my feet though, I’m ready to come back with a vengeance.

What was the best fight for you?

My best fight for me in my whole career was me vs. Chandler 1. It made me hungry to work harder and be better. I’ve made huge improvements since then.

Bellator is seen as the second biggest promotion in the world, but over the past couple of years, the promotion has made some huge signings. Is this a sign of things to come? How successful do you see Bellator becoming?

I think Bellator is making all the right moves. Unfortunately I do believe two main promotions is probably best for MMA but I hope that Bellator just continues to be an organization that shows it cares for fighters over profits.

Every Mixed Martial Arts promotion in the world has a talent stacked lightweight division. In your opinion, who is the best lightweight fighter in the world?

Best lightweight in the world? Hmm.. I’d really probably have to say Michael Chandler has to be one or two. He’s my arch nemesis but after watching him smash Benson Henderson I’d have to say he’s the most talented lightweight for sure.

If you get through Derrow, what fight would you like to take next? Would you like a title shot? A rematch against Patricky Pitbull? A marquee fight against Benson Henderson? What is your next step?

I would love a fight with Josh Thomson, Benson, or a rematch with Pitbull. I’m really just chasing big and fun fights. I really like style wise how me and Benson match up. That would be my top pick.

If you could fight any fighter from any promotion and any generation who would it be and why?

I would fight Genki Sudo in Japan. We would see who has the better walkouts.

Who was your first MMA idol?

Right leg hospital, left leg cemetery.

You have a background in wrestling, but is that your strongest asset? What would you say helps you most in the cage?

I would say my biggest edge is my belief in myself. I always feel that I can find a way. If I persevere and pus forward I’ll find a way.

How important has your wrestling background been to your MMA career?

I was a terrible wrestler but it’s helped me dictate my fights for sure.

You are a man who has achieved great success in MMA. You have done some great things in the cage, but what would you say is the greatest thing about being a Mixed Martial Artist?

Everything is easy after you test yourself mentally in a cage. After you lose the big fights and come back to more big fights… Always land on your feet, ready to keep pushing.

MMA can present you with some great challenges, as you may be able to attest to. What would you say the worst thing about being a Mixed Martial Artist is?

Dieting and the extreme weight cutting lifestyle fighters have all become accustomed to… It’s terrible.

Other than wrestling, is there any other martial art you enjoy watching or participating in?

Budapest stick fighting.

We’ve all seen your unique entrances to the cage where you come out as a caveman. Where does the ‘Caveman’ nickname and gimmick come from? How did I come to be such a huge part of you?

In the gym once a nickname hits, well after you’ve earned it, it just sticks with you. Most people merely accept that name. I’ve let it consume me. I live it.

In any job, you need your breaks. You need time to just relax. When you aren’t training or preparing for a fight, what do you enjoy doing? How does David Rickels unwind?

I love to be with friends. Tossing brews back. Eating barbeque and pasta and pizza and basically anything peanut buttery.

What advice would you give to an aspiring fighter looking to make their way in MMA?

Never doubt yourself. You can accomplish anything you truly believe in. Dedicate yourself and always land on your feet because you will fall.

Any last words for the readers?

Live long and prosper my friends. Persist and persevere whatever life throws at you. Keep on swinging.

We at MMA Thread would like to thank David Rickels for giving us this interview during a very busy time.

You can follow ‘Caveman’ on Twitter @TheCaveman316 and on Instagram @thecaveman316.

We wish Rickels the best of luck at Bellator 171.