I recently had the opportunity to interview one of the most dynamic lightweights in the world, Yves Edwards.

Edwards is coming off of a stunning knockout victory over Edson Berto at February’s EliteXC event. He will soon have his shot at the EliteXC lightweight title when he squares off against dangerous striker, KJ Noons, on June 14.

So let’s get straight to the questions in this exclusive interview with one of the most experienced lightweights in MMA.

10 Questions with Yves Edwards:

RedSweat: Out of all your past opponents who hit you the hardest?

Yves: Probably the one guy that’s been able to knock me out, George Masvidal. I ain’t gonna let that happen again.

RedSweat: If you could avenge any of your losses who would it be and why?

Yves: It would have to be the loss to Mark Hominick. I think that was the worst Yves Edwards that the world will ever see.

RedSweat: What exactly made you decide to become a mixed martial artist?

Yves: I just loved the challenge. There is no one to turn to to pick up your slack, you just gotta work hard and get it done. Plus I’m probably too little for Football.

RedSweat: Is there anyone in mma you can’t stand?

Yves: I’m not a big Ken Shamrock fan. I think I used to be, up until I read his book back in the day. The part where he talked about beating up (training) Vernon White. I thought to myself, "What a douche bag, he’s not training these guys he’s just kicking their asses." I’ve seen him a few times over the years since then and I haven’t seen or heard anything from him to change my mind about him.

RedSweat: Which profession would you like to pursue if you weren’t a mixed martial artist and why?

Yves: If it were another sport it would be football, man I love that game it has everything. Strategy, game planning, teamwork, making adjustments as the game goes on, athleticism, and best of all violence, or at least big hits.

RedSweat: How is your training going at American Top Team?

Yves: The training at ATT is great I mean where else are you gonna go and have that kind of atmosphere? Maybe AKA or Extreme Couture or Quest, but I’ve know some of the guys at ATT for years, plus I like Florida a little better than California, and Nevada, and a whole lot more that Oregon. (No offense Lindland it’s just too cold for Black people out there).

RedSweat: What is your strategy for your upcoming fight with KJ Noons?

Yves: I’m sorry but if I told you that then I’d have to kill you, and everyone else you told my strategy to. Now I’m sure that you can see how that could pose a problem.

RedSweat: Are you looking to get back to the UFC or are you happy where you are?

Yves: I’m looking to fight the best guys in the world. A lot of them are in the UFC, but then you got Dream, World Victory Road, WEC and Strikeforce. I guess what I’m saying is I’m definitely not opposed to it but I’m pretty happy where I’m at also.

RedSweat: What does your diet consist of training for this upcoming title bout?

Yves: I eat pretty healthy all the time. My wife loves to cook so I don’t really change anything. I guess the biggest thing is I eat a lot more fruit and vegetables, and cut out the cakes and pies.

RedSweat: If you win the EliteXC title, what will it mean to you?

Yves: It’ll mean I’m the man and that everyone that wants a piece of me will know where to find me. It’ll also mean that I’ll need to get some gold shoes to match my new belt. Could you imagine me in the club, bottle full of bub, with a gold belt and black shoes like a scrub? That could be bad for my image you know.

Interview courtesy of Jason Allen.