MMAHawaii had the opportunity to speak with Strikeforce light heavy weight contender Lorenz Larkin as he readies himself to headline the Strikeforce Challengers 19 card against Virgil Zwicker.

Larkin remains undefeated at 10-0 with the majority of his wins coming by knockout or technical knockout. Strikeforce Challengers 19: Larkin vs. Zwicker takes place September 23 from The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, and it will be broadcasted on Showtime.

MMAHawaii: Can you describe how you felt when you got the nod that you would be headlining a first Strikeforce card?

Larenz Larkin: I felt great; it was a crazy/surreal feeling. I mean I’ve only fought for Strikeforce two times and here they I am, in my third fight head lining a card.

MMAHawaii: Prior to your last victory over Gian Villante at Strikeforce Challengers 18, you spent some time at Team Quest in Temecula. Your opponent Virgil Zwicker trains at Team Quest. Did you have an opportunity to train with him while you were there?

Larenz Larkin: Yes, we trained together, but it was nothing serious. It was just really light. I didn’t learn too much about him, and he doesn’t know too much about me, as far as working with each other, so we didn’t really work that much together.

MMAHawaii: What do you and your coaches see as your keys to getting the win over Virgil Zwicker?

Larenz Larkin: Stick to the game plan. Stick to the formula that has gotten me to where I am at now. It’s no secret; stay calm, pick my shots and do what I’ve been doing.

MMAHawaii: Where does a victory over Virgil Zwicker place you with Strikeforce? Will you be called up to the bigger Strikeforce shows? How far out from the Strikeforce 205lb title do you think you are?

Larenz Larkin: I’m not sure where it will put me. Like I said after my first fight, I just want to take it one fight at a time. I am in no rush to get to a title shot, I just want to roll with company, establish myself and just keep fighting. Title contention comes with the territory down the line. Right now I’m not worried about it; I’m just taking it one fight at a time.

MMAHawaii: Both you and your opponent come from humble beginnings, can you talk about how and where you grow up, and the people and events that influenced you to make you the man and martial artist you are today?

Larenz Larkin: I grew up in Riverside California, and as far as fighting I’ve been a part of fighting all of my life as far as boxing. As a kid I remember watching Tyson, Holyfield and the guys from that era. I watched more heavyweights than I did the smaller weight classes. Then I got turned onto MMA when I saw it. Day one for me was the second UFC; there was a Kempo guy against some dude with a flat top, and ever since that fight

I’ve been a fan and followed the sport. My back martial arts background is boxing Muay Thai, wrestling and Jiu Jit Su. I train in everything that involves mixed martial arts. I consider my style “kung fu” I’m willing to try anything. I don’t think someone can look at me and just say that I’m a Muay Thai guy; when people see me fight they can see I bring my own style, and it’s really hard to duplicate.

MMAHawaii: Who are the coaches and sponsors helping you get ready for this fight?

Larenz Larkin: Arnold Dewitt, and Sam Mason make up my home team. I’ve been cross training at Millenia

MMA where Romy and all of the training partners up there have been helping me get ready, along with the guys from my home gym at Icon MMA. As far as sponsors Hostility Clothing, Splat, on*Me, Ionik, Extreme Auto Works, and CaliLife

MMAHawaii: Do you have any advice for the young guys and girls making their way on the smaller shows?

Larenz Larkin: The best thing is to take it one fight at a time. As long as you win nobody can stop you. You’re going to get to where you’re going to get as long as you keep winning and putting on good shows. It has nothing to do with where you came from, as long as you stay with it you will get to where you are trying to go.

http://www.strikeforce.com/fighters/men-light-heavyweights/lorenz-larkin/