It's not often a UFC fighter who already has a performance bonus under their belt can be outshone by their significant other, but Luke Sanders seems to be pretty content.
Luke Sanders' girlfriend, WWE Superstar Becky Lynch, is a former WWE Smackdown Women's Champion who has been seen cageside at Sanders' fights. When asked about her by Fightful.com's James Lynch, Sanders was glowing about the relationship.
"I'm the guy that dates the hot famous girl. She's great. We met through the industry, then met in California, not too far from where we're staying now in LA. It's kind of funny how life brings you back in the same place. The both of us have good opportunities out here. Lots of good training, can't beat the weather. Never thought I'd want to pay that tax money, but then you live out here and see why people pay that tax money. Every day is the most beautiful day in the world," said Sanders.
With the high profile relationship with Lynch comes a fair share of social media fans, which Sanders says hasn't been too tough to deal with as of yet.
"There can be some weird people, but most of them are really cool and down. There's a few that are a little too much. She handles that really well, and that doesn't affect me because I'm pretty mellow. I just keep it cool. I haven't had anything too crazy, she gets all the craziness. Those fans can be intense. I used to love pro wrestling back when the Rock, Hulk Hogan, NWO. It's been cool getting to see that side of sports entertainment, and her being on this side, because it's two different beasts," said Sanders. "Now I'm getting back into it because I'm watching her, and I'm friends with the guys, so now I follow them, too."
Although Lynch has said that she's not interested in crossing over to MMA despite a social media feud with Cris Cyborg, Sanders said that he would be open to giving pro wrestling a shot. After witnessing the business from a different perspective, Sanders is the first to admit it'd be tough.
"I don't know if I could do that, personally. As far as with the gimmicks and stuff. That's a whole different thing to sell. I'd give it a go," said Sanders. "I'd say Bryan Barberena, Bam Bam could do it with the beard."
As far as his April 14 fight goes, Sanders confessed he didn't have as much time to get out to the MMA Lab where he typically trains, and instead has been training under former UFC Light Heavyweight Valdimir Matyushenko. Sanders stated that if all goes well for him, he'd like to fight again in the early summer.
In the full interview, Luke Sanders (11-2) discusses his upcoming fight against Patrick Williams (8-5) at UFC on FOX 29 on Apr. 14. Luke also talks about his loss to Andre Soukhamthath, his training camp for this fight and dating WWE superstar Becky Lynch.