On the show, he was portrayed as the weird guy, almost like a character out of Revenge of the Nerds. Little did anyone know that he would be the hardest worker on the show and be the fighter that improved the most. Luke ended up making it to the finals and lost a very close action packed fight to Joe Stevenson. That fight took place in September of 2005.
Two and a half years later, Luke is currently 9-4 overall with a 3-3 record in the UFC. His next fight is this Saturday in Columbus, Ohio at UFC 82. He was able to find time after getting into town to speak with me for a few minutes.
SS: Thanks for joining me Luke, what's going on?
LC: I just got into Columbus and I'm on my way to the hotel to check in.
SS: You're taking on Luigi Fioravanti Saturday, what's the gameplan?
LC: I plan punching him and kicking him until the ref is pulling me off.
SS: What advantages do you think you have over him and vice versa?
LC: I don't think he has any advantages over me. My strengths will be my endurance and energy. I'll be in great shape come fight night.
SS: Why and what made you get into mma to begin with:
LC: I started training martial arts as a teenager. After my mom gave me my first Bruce Lee movie, I wanted to be Bruce Lee. I was 15 years old and started taking Kung Fu. I was did some kickboxing and then became a sparring partner of Matt Serra's. I fought on some cards that Ray Longo put together. When season two of the Ultimate Fighter rolled around, I got recommended for that.
SS: Is there any part of your game you think needs the most work?
LC: There is always work to be done. I put my attention into the areas that are lacking. This sport is like putting together a puzzle, it's never finished. I'm always looking to add pieces.
SS: Are there any fighters you have to see or like to watch?
LC: The current middleweight champ, Anderson Silva. He has an almost complete game. The lightweights are the most exciting. I also enjoy the female fighters, they are usually pretty exciting also.
SS: What are your long term goals in the sports?
LC: I'll just take it fight by fight and will train to win all of them. I want to make money for my family's future and live an eco-friendly lifestyle.
SS: Anyone out there that you want to fight?
LC: The welterweight division is stacked right now. I'll fight whoever they put in front of me.
SS: Luke, thanks for finding the time to talk to me. I'll look forward to seeing you in Columbus, good luck.
LC: Thanks.