Welterweight Matt ‘The Immortal’ Brown is one of the most exciting mixed martial artists in the world, a long-time fan favourite, and sports a pro record of 20-16. This Saturday (November 11) in Norfolk, Virginia he battles fellow crowd-pleaser Diego Sanchez in a fight that is considered must-win for both men – a fight that will also be Brown’s last.

Ahead of this potential classic with Sanchez, the 36-year-old Brown took the time to answer the questions of Fighters Only contributor Tony Reid.

Question: Can you tell us something nobody knows about you?

Matt Brown: I’m a pretty good gardener. I have a green thumb.

Q: What advice would you give a younger you?

MB: Take your time in the sport. Don’t try to rush anything.

Q: What inspires you to fight?

MB: The challenge. I want to see how far I can take it.

Q: What is your favourite memory from your first fight?

MB: Winning.

Q: What has been the best moment in your career so far?

MB: When I fought here in Columbus against Pete Sell. I fought in my hometown. My whole family was there to see it. I had a really good fight. I was a dream come true. It was really cool.

Q: What is it that makes MMA better than other sports?

MB: The authenticity of it. There is no lying in the cage. There is nothing fake about it. It is the most authentic sport there is.

Q: What feels better, a knockout or submission victory?

MB: Probably a knockout.

Q: Who is the best opponent you have faced to date?

MB: That’s a tough one. Probably Carlos Condit.

Q: How do you go about getting pumped before a fight?

MB: I actually try to do the opposite and stay relaxed. I listen to Pink Floyd. It’s my favourite thing to listen to before a fight.

Q: What job did you have before becoming a professional fighter?

MB: I was a personal trainer.

Q: Which cartoon character do you resemble?

MB: Not a cartoon but a lot of people have told me I look like Charles Bronson.

Q: If you could invite three guests to dinner, who would you choose?

MB: Jesse James. Genghis Khan and Vlad the Impaler.

Q: What’s your guilty pleasure?

MB: Ice cream. I don’t know if that’s very surprising.

Q: What is the best lesson life has handed you?

MB: Live in the present. Don’t worry too much about the past or the future.