Mike: Wanted to start off by congratulating you on your win over Roger Huerta. What are your thoughts on how that fight went?
Gray: Thanks. We were happy with how it went. Roger definitely came prepared and ready to fight. But our game plan was to use my boxing and foot work to land punches and get the takedown when it was there.

Mike: How is everything going over at Xtreme Couture preparing for your next fight against Nate Diaz?
Gray: It's always great. We really do have one of the most talented, hard working, experienced team and coaching staff. So every training camp is always tough and prepares you for the fight.

Mike: What are your thoughts on Nate, and are you planning on using a similar plan, as the one against Jim Miller?
Gray: Nate's Jiu-Jitsu is more slick than Jim Miller's. Miller has the ablitlity to grind and punish an opponent and push you into a submission. Where as Nate will use his scrambles to create mistakes and bait you into a submission. There's always a game plan, but it's a fight and things change during the process.

Mike: You are stacking up an impressive list of names under the win column, including Roger Huerta, Dennis Siver and Frankie Edgar. With a win over Nate, Gray, I’d have to think you would be next in line for a title shot. Do you feel you are ready for that if it is offered?
Gray: I'm just concentrating on Nate Diaz. You can't look past any opponent in the UFC. I'm just taking it one fight at a time.

Mike: What were your thoughts on Penn vs Sanchez?
Gray: I think it was a good fight. It showed BJ's skill and Diego's heart. But I think it was more of a business decision giving Sanchez a title shot. Which there's nothing wrong with that. Pro sports are a business. I think Diego needed a couple more wins at 155 to prove himself, because it's so deep and talented. But, it was an entertaining fight.

Mike: I know BJ and you are friends, and have trained together… but would you still fight him, if given the chance? And how do you feel you matchup with Baby Jay?
Gray: Like I said before, I'm focused on Nate Diaz right now. But any chance at the belt is one step closer to the ultimate and can't be passed up.

Mike: Being an undefeated fighter, do you feel any added pressure? Or maybe like there's a bull’s eye on your chest and people want to give you that first Loss?
Gray: In my mind I already lost to Nate Diaz. I'm a realist; I'll never be able to forget that loss. So I'm putting myself in the underdog spot.

Mike: There are a lot of talented wrestlers in your weight class with you, Edgar, Griffin, Sherk, etc. Who would you say has the best wrestling at LW in MMA?
Gray: As far as what we all accomplished in the sport of wrestling, I've done the most in that area. I think we all have blended wrestling with MMA and adapted to the sport very well.

Mike: Could you tell us about your first MMA fight (ammy or pro)?
Gray: My first was an amateur fight against Evan Dunham. He's on the card with me Jan 11th. I had only been training MMA for maybe two or three months when Randy Couture asked me if I wanted to fight in his show up in Oregon with like a weeks notice. It was a really good fight and a good learning experience. I won a unanimous decision. A couple years later he started coming down to Xtreme Couture for his training camps and been there ever since. We helped each other a lot for this fight.

Mike: With the ‘09 year at an end, what would you say was the best moment in MMA for the year? Or the most memorable (fight/ko/event/whatever)?
Gray: UFC 100 was a big event. It was amazing to see all the fans and the vendors that came out to support the expo and the show. It's really come a long way since the beginning!!

Mike: I remember from the last time we talked, your a big Nick Swardson fan. Did you catch his last comedy special? It was great! (laughs).
Gray: Of course. Just watched it again last night. It's hilarious!! I love good stand up comedy, It's the best.

Mike: With MMA getting as big as it is, you have to get recognized more now. What's the craziest "fan story" to date?
Gray: I don't know. I think a couple people started having a hard time breathing and teared up a little when they met me. I didn't know if I should do CPR, get them a tissue, or sign an autograph. It was kind of a stressful situation for me!!

Mike: You train with a lot of great fighters at Xtreme Couture and fought a lot of really good fighters, who would you say has the heaviest hands out of everyone you've been in with?
Gray: To be honest I train with a lot of really good boxers. I can handle a heavy punch, but when you get a guy that has snap, is accurate and knows how to turn his punch over, that's when you start seeing a flash and go numb every time you get hit. As far as MMA Jay Hieron is the one in the gym that is closest to that. Our boxing coach has been working with us for a while and we are starting to come around. He has a couple of boxers that are just turning pro that are going to be really good.

Mike: Last one. If you were stuck on a desert island and could bring 1 person, 1 movie, and 1 album with you... what would they be?
Gray: My girl, the movie would be a Stand Up Comedy Classic like Eddie Murphy Raw or something and probably the Sublime Album.

Mike: Thanks Gray, best of luck in 2010! Anything you wanna add?
Gray: Just want to thank my family, friends, teammates, all the fans and my sponsors. Everlast, Desert Volkswagen, Microtech, Cash 4 Gold, Cage Fighter, and DPMS.