UFC on FX 4: T.J. Waldburger Talks Breaking the Golden Rule and More

We all live by some type of standard.

And within those standards are a set of rules by which we all live our lives. We've all heard of the golden rule: Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

It may be that our attention has been so focused on obeying that golden rule, that we somehow lost sight of another golden rule: Never date your coach's daughter.

Well, UFC welterweight T.J. Waldburger lost sight and broke that golden rule.

In a recent interview with Bleacher Report, Waldburger discussed the humorous issue, along with other topics.

Garrett Derr: Congrats on your latest win. I recently spoke with Jake Hecht and he classified you as one of the best submission artists in the entire UFC, hands down. What does it mean to know you're highly respected by other fighters in the UFC?

T.J. Waldburger: It definitely means a lot to me. Jake was a huge win for me and I respect him and his game a lot. I consider it just another win in the UFC, and that's all it really is. I take pride in my wins, but also learn from the mistakes I made as well. I'm always trying to improve as a fighter.

GD: You're now set to take on Brian Ebersole at UFC on FX 4, who's won 14 of his last 15 bouts. This guy is pushing 70 fights in his career. How do you train for an opponent like him?

TW: I really haven't trained any differently for Brian Ebersole than I have for any of my other opponents. I'm ready for anything and everything. He's a well-rounded opponent and I expect the fight to be up, down and all around.

 
GD: He has double-digit knockout, submission and decision victories. Where do you see a weak point in his game that you'll be able to pick apart?

TW: You know, that's something that I'll just have to figure out within the fight. I'll be testing his entire MMA game until I find a weakness.

I've been around this sport for a long time and started when I was 17. My motivation comes purely out of the love for the sport. I fall more in love each and every day. That's what drives me to compete.  

GD: You seem to have a lot of respect for the military, armed forces, etc. Share a little bit about what these individuals mean to you.

TW: Wow. You know, it's really hard to describe the amount of respect that I have towards those who put their lives on the line for this country.

I can only imagine the amount of stress going into a fight of that caliber. Unlike fighting inside the Octagon, it's life or death for them. I am thankful and God bless each and every one.

GD: For someone who doesn't know T.J. Waldburger. What would you want them to know?

TW: Well, I'm married to my coach's daughter and have a six-month-old son with her. I give my son most of my time, too. When I'm not spending time with my son or training for a fight, I also like to hunt, fish, camp and go out on the lake.

 
GD: Married your coach's daughter? Isn't that breaking the golden rule?

TW: [Laughing] Yes, and it's a rule for a reason. But she's amazing, and I couldn't do it without her.

GD: Who would you like to thank?

TW: I'd like to give a big shout to my gym Grapplers Lair and my management company, Paradigm MMA. I'd also like to thank my sponsors in Vitrustream, RYU Apparel, Hoist, Havyk, Venum, Lexani Wheels, Incandescent Photography, Peak Performance with Brian Cain and, last but not least, Perfecting Athletes Nutrition. Thank you to all who have supported me.

Garrett Derr is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.