I'VE been training hard down at Liberty's with a new coach, Steve Papp, from Nottingham. I have always enjoyed watching his fighters compete, winning British titles on a regular basis.

I brought him in before the Swick fight to shake things up a bit. The sessions are tough but I can see myself improving.

I'm also improving my wrestling technique with a GB Olympic team member. It's something different I have added to this camp to better prepare for the wrestling I expect I will have to do if I want to keep the fight on the feet.

I was hoping to bump into Carl Froch in the gym to wish him luck in his world title fight with Mikkel Kessler. I used to see him when we trained at Raw, but I haven't met up with him for a while.

I've got my own world title fight coming up, against Georges St-Pierre, of course, so I know the pressure he is under.

I still can't believe it has happened so quickly and I still have to pinch myself now and again to make sure I'm not dreaming.

I'm 4-0 in the UFC and have been fast-tracked to the title. Some people may not think I deserve to get a chance so soon. But I don't care what they think. What did they expect me to do, turn it down? Amazing success stories come from opportunities like this and that's what I'm training for.

It doesn't worry me that I've got to go to American for the fight. I spend a lot of time there anyway.

My girlfriend is American. She is a big help to me – although I haven't seen her for five weeks.

I don't see her when I'm in my training camp, which can be difficult at times. After March 27th, we can spend some time together, go on holiday or something. Anywhere that doesn't have a gym!

GSP is very respectful. He keeps himself to himself. You don't get too much out of him. He's a legend, simple as that, and his name is known all around the world.

I'm the underdog, no doubt about that. But I don't care.

I'm in a great position because I've got nothing to lose.

If anyone will be feeling the pressure, it will be him. People expect him to win, so if he loses, it will be a huge shock.

He's also had a while since his last fight, due to a groin injury that required surgery.

The pressure is on him. And it's got to him in the past, against Matt Serra and Matt Hughes.

And I know exactly what his game plan is. He'll want to keep me out of the fight and get me on my back as soon as possible.

But I'm ready for that; it doesn't concern me.

It's inevitable he will take me down at some point. But I only need one shot. I only have to hit him once. That's all it takes.

I think I'll surprise a few people.

I'm hitting a lot harder these days. I put that down to the strength coach I've been working with at Leicester Tigers. There is more weight behind my punches.

I wanted to sneak in a word about one of my sponsors, Earache Records, who are a record label for Metal and Hardcore music, based in Nottingham and New York.

I've been following their bands and listening to their music for a long time.

I was delighted when they asked if they could sponsor me. I pop in every now and again and they load me up with CD's and T-shirts.

They've had plenty of money out of me over the years – so it's nice to get something back! I also have plenty of new music to listen to when I'm training!