By Trent Cotney, FightTicker.com contributor

At UFC 83, Brad Morris (8-2) makes his UFC debut in the heavyweight division against Cain Velasquez (2-0). Morris was nice enough to take time out of his training schedule to speak with FightTicker.com about his training, his opponent and his thoughts on future fights.

Fight Ticker: Who are you training with to get ready for the fight?

Brad Morris: I am fortunate that I have been able to train with some of Australia's best fighters, like Mark Hunt, Elvis Sinosic, Anthony Perosh, Hector Lombard and I have just organised some boxing sparring with Heavyweight Boxer Kali Meehan. On top of all of that my trainer Marcelo Rezende of Gracie Barra Sydney is also a good instructor.

Fight Ticker: Where do you see the fight going?

Morris: The Ground! Cain is a top level college wrestler, I have to expect to be taken down at some point, but fighting off my back is not uncommon ground for me. Honestly I am comfortable standing or on the ground, I have been preparing for both. I have no desire to take the fight in a certain direction, I'll adjust to where ever the fight goes.

Fight Ticker: You’ve fought a lot in Australia where MMA is exploding. When do you think the UFC will have its first show in Australia?

Morris: I hope the UFC has its first Australian show within the next eighteen months. MMA is growing over here in Australia, and to have the best MMA show on the planet come down and stage a show would do wonders for the sport. In my home state MMA is on the verge of being regulated by the state government. I have been in regular contact with the Minister's Office trying to ensure that MMA is well represented and that the Minister for Sport and other politicians have all the relevant information so that MMA can grow with the backing of the government.

Fight Ticker: Did you sign a multi-fight deal with the UFC? If so, how many fights?

Morris: I'll let the UFC go into details regarding my contract, but I will say that I understand how important it is that I perform well. I realise that at this level I need to have a good showing in my first fight. This is the first time most mma fans would have heard of me. I intend to make the most of it.

Fight Ticker: Any thoughts on who you would like to fight next?

Morris: Looking through the heavyweight fighters in the UFC I really don't have a preference, I am happy to fight whoever they want to put in front of me. I enjoy watching Andrei Arlovski fight as well as Heath Herring, but realistically I assume I would need several wins in the UFC before facing guys like that.

Fight Ticker: Who do you think are the top five in your weight class?

Morris: Fedor, Randy, Nogueira, Barnett, Arlovski.

Fight Ticker: Who wins Fedor or Couture?

Morris: Fedor.

Fight Ticker: What about Couture or Noguiera?

Morris: Randy.

Fight Ticker: When you are not training and fighting, what do you like to do in your spare time – what are your interests?

Morris: Spending time with my wife and kids. I like movies and sports. I would also like to do a university degree in Human Movement at some stage, I have a background as a personal trainer. I enjoy reading philosophy and strategems, The Art of War by Sun Tzu is one of my favourite books. Training does not leave time for much else, I am still working fulltime. So hopefully with a number of wins in the UFC I can look to fight fulltime and move to the United States and train with some of the best guys over there.

Fight Ticker: Any other news you’d like to get out there?

Morris: I'd like to say that I am grateful to the UFC for this opportunity, I am keen to see how the GSP and Serra title fights goes down. The first time I fought outside Australia was in Canada last year and I enjoyed, so I am looking forward to seeing more of the country.

Fight Ticker: Any sponsors you’d like to plug?

Morris: Yes I would like to thank my new manager and long time sponsor Ron Dayley of SSFgear, my supplement sponsor Musashi and my clothing sponsor Dunlop Sports.

Fight Ticker: Brad, I’d like to thank you again for speaking with me. Any final words for your fans?

Morris: Thanks for the interview, as for some words for my fans... At this stage I doubt many people would have heard of me. So what I will say is this, that while there are a number of areas in my game that need work, I come to fight, and I fight with heart. Win, lose or draw I hope to at the very least put on a good show!