• UFC

British lightweight considers new 'gravedigger' nickname

Andre Winner is contemplating taking on a new nickname thrust upon him by ESPN.co.uk as he attempts to spend his entire career in the UFC.

Winner is one of several big British hopes in the UFC lightweight division, finishing runner-up on season nine of The Ultimate Fighter before going on to win his first two fully-fledged fights in MMA's top organization.

Those victories, over Rolando Delgado and Rafaello Oliveira, have seen both men cut from the UFC, making Winner a dangerous opponent to face. The Team Rough House man, who has some of the fastest hands in the 155lb division, is keen to focus on his own career - but he does admit the nickname of 'gravedigger' has a certain ring to it.

"I go out there, and do the best job I can do for my career. I don't have time to think about other people's careers," Winner told ESPN.co.uk.

"It's a good thing and a bad thing. You call me a gravedigger... that could be a nice little nickname.

"At the same time, it means putting people out of work but hey, I can only do my job."

Winner was appearing at THQ's launch of the brilliant new UFC: Undisputed 2010 video game, which displays serious advancements on the 2009 version including extra submissions, medical stoppages, and division-hopping in the career mode.

Winner is yet to be cast onto the new game, but he is determined to build a long career in the UFC, insisting he will fight until his fitness prevents him.

"Tasting victory in the UFC, the financial rewards that come with it, the travelling, it helps. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, and a lot of people are like that. I don't want to be like that, there is nothing I would rather do. The UFC has been a blessing for me.

"This is the lifestyle I want. This is the success I want. I'm going to work hard to keep it.

"I'm in the UFC until they don't want me! Or until I lose love of the sport. As long as I'm fit, I'll be there in the UFC working hard."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.