It's good motivation to work harder in the practice room. My conditioning needs a little work.

(Pugh) changed things up a little bit. He didn't take as many shots as I would have hoped. He wrestled me on the mat. I didn't think he could ride.

The thing with Pugh is you're always in the match. Every time he lets you up you get a point, a takedown is only worth two, so he's only getting one point every time. I knew to not get frustrated if I got down in points.

It was a little payback for his brother beating me for third and fourth (last year).

I've been watching tape on (Pugh) all year. I knew he would be my toughest competition.

I go to quite a few tournaments. Fargo is definitely the biggest thing I do in the summer.

I know (Blazek) is a little bit better than that, but I was expecting to pin him. Going in there, I could see his eyes were a little watery, he was a little nervous, a little scared.