- Tanner Rhoden/IronLife.com: Can you tell us about your training experience? Who have you trained under in the past? What's your main background?
Lodune Sincaid: My main background is Benny The Jet, Gokor and Gene LeBell in California and back in Minnesota I was self taught in the street.



- What was it like training with Randy Couture on TUF ? Did you take anything away from your experience with him that you still work on today?
Randy was a great experience because he is the champion and when you train with a champion it helps you step up your game because you get a glimpse into the window of what it takes to be a winner. Randy is one of the most stand up guys I have ever known.



- A lot of people would like to know if you've ever fought at 185lbs? If the answer is no have you ever thought about fighting at that weight?
My plan is to stay at a weight that I can either make 185 lbs. or 205 lbs. and I plan to make an impact on both weight divisions on my never-ending quest of global domination.

- You recently relocated to Ventura, CA. Can you tell us why you decided to change locations?
Because, Ventura is a positive, fresh environment. I believe it would be a great change of scenery and surrounding myself with positive people was very important to me. I also love the small town appeal.



- You told me you had a rough upbringing. Can you tell us a little bit about it? Was it one of the driving forces behind you wanting to become a professional fighter?
I grew up an abusive family. My father, if you can call him that, was an abusive, psychotic drunk who regularly used me as a human punching bag to vent his daily disappointments. My mother and sister were also victims of this insane cycle of abuse. Because of being raised that way it showed me what my strengths and gifts are. I truly believe to be a warrior you're either a warrior or you're not. I knew my spirit was strong and above all other things I knew I could survive and succeed.



- You now train at Sylvas Boxing Gym in Ventura. Can you tell us a little bit about that gym and your training partners there?
My training partners consist of Jeremy Jackson, Brian Peterson, and Shawn Menendez. I pick up sparring partners whenever possible, so thanks to Bjorn and the other sparring partners that let me punch something. Sylvas Boxing Gym is owned by George Sylva who has helped me big time. Brian Peterson has been a God send for my grappling game and if anyone is in either Ventura or Westlake stop in and give VG a shout.


Jeremy Jackson, George Sylva and Lodune Sincaid

- Do you like fighting in the cage or ring better?
It doesn't matter as long I'm fighting. They both take different strategies and as long as I have the time to prepare and get in my mind-set there's no problem.



- How much has being on TUF changed your life? How many doors has it opened for you?
The doors are being opened as this interview is being done. My toes in the door and now I want to kick it open. It's a great feeling to know that what you're doing and love most in this world is being supported by a lot of people and I just want to send out my appreciation to all the gorillas in the mist for their love & support.



- What was it like watching yourself on TV?
It was surreal, especially when your sitting there with your mother and your being portrayed as this drunk homo.....not that there's nothing wrong with that. But now I plan on portraying the real Lodune Sincaid, the true warrior in the octagon.


Lodune Sincaid and Tanner Rhoden

- How were all the other trainers? Marc Laimon, Ganyao Fairtex and Peter Welch.
This was a huge blessing. They all treated me with respect. They left a tickle in my soul.



- Do you have a website yet?
Yes, it's up and running. Everybody go to www.lodune.com

- I hear you have some new sponsors. Who are they?
We sure have. Kikskin is one. They know the needs of MMA fighters and their grear is the most comfortable, highest quality gear I've ever used. worldblackbelt.com is our newest sponsor. I want to give much thanks to Bob Wall for his belief in me. Anybody that loves martial arts absolutely needs to go visit worldblackbelt.com.

- Who's managing you these days?
Lords of Discipline Management. Shawn Menendez and Jonas Mannon. Shawn is a fighter as well, so he understands my needs. I'm very grateful to these guys, they care about their fighters and they're a driving force in the realization of my dreams.

- So what does the future hold for The Vanilla Gorilla?
Bruises, some givin some takin, sweat, and whole heaping plateful of opportunity. Because when you realize that your roadblocks are self manifested your path becomes much clearer.