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Marcus Hicks

When and why did you start training for fighting? About six years ago, to teach my daughter to protect herself.

What ranks and titles have you held? Golden Gloves boxing champ, NAGA champ, Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu

Do you have any heroes? Everyday people that take care of their families.

What is your favorite technique? Whatever gets the job done.

What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC? I get a chance to compete against the best.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No

What was your job before you started fighting? Loss prevention for Wal-Mart

How has your training changed since coming into the WEC? It’s become a way of life doing what I love to do everyday.

What is it like to fight on live TV in the WEC? It’s like a dream

How have the stakes changed now that you’re with the WEC? Every fight is like my last chance.

How has the competition level changed since joining the WEC? It’s like going to college or to the pros.

Most memorable professional fight? My most memorable fight was a boxing match against Tim O'Neil in Madison Square Garden. In the boxing world, few places are more legendary than Madison Square Garden, but to compete and win there was indescribable.

What was your most challenging professional fight? Definitely my most challenging fight was my very first WEC match which was against Sergio Gomez. My left eye was swollen shut within the first 10 seconds of the fight and I continued for two rounds. My will and heart was tested, but in the end my composure kept me calm and focused to secure a guillotine submission.

Did you compete in any other sport at college or professional level? I received offers for football from a few colleges, but my focus at the time was on my family and taking care of my daughter especially. My interest in combat sports was specifically to help teach my daughter to protect herself, but success in competition has given the means to provide for her as well.

Who were your training partners for this fight? This fight I was able to train with Paul Buentello, Pete Spratt, Rodrigo Pinheiro and the team at XFC Training Center in Austin, Texas. As always, my team sparring partner is Albert Martinez.

Did you put more emphasis towards a fighting style or adjust your training to prepare for your opponent? Training for this fight was no different than for any in the past. In my camp, we don't focus on a specific game-plan unique to each opponent.

What is your favorite thing about this sport? The equal combination in mental and physical aspects involved to compete at this level. Most people only see the physical aspect of the sport, but few truly understand the mental component needed to be successful. It may appear to be just a brawl, but a 'human-chess match' is a more accurate description.

How long do you see yourself staying in this sport? Longevity plays an important role in my training. I put an equal amount of time into the care for my joints and body as I do into sparring and drills. My camp and I have a plan which should allow me to compete for another 10 years and still be able to keep up with grandchildren long after my career.