I am the type of person that would take things to the limits of near death if needed and I did so in 2001. I knew the only way I was going to be in the mix with freaks like Wheeler, Cormier, Coleman, El Sombaty, etc.... was to come in with insane conditioning and that my friend takes drastic measures. I blame no one but myself.. It was a decision I made and no one forced me to do so. In 2003 at the NOC I did everything correct and the night before the show I was given a choice by my trainer to push the limits or be safe and I chose to be safe. I looked fantastic and got the first call out against Victor and Titus and eventually placed 4th but I will be the first to say that if I had pushed it I would have been right there with Victor for the win. The Atlantic City this year is another good example.. You all have seen the pics of what I looked like hours before the show and once again Jim and I decided not to push things and play it safe. 1.5 pounds of water and I would have looked retarded but at a price. We made the right choice and I am healthy.