By Bryan Levick, FightTicker.com Contributor

UFC light heavyweight Houston Alexander is a humble man who is very active in his community. Alexander, currently 2-2 in the Octagon and riding a two-fight losing streak, does a lot to help kids and is always looking for ways to help those who are less fortunate than himself. Last Thursday, I spent an hour on the phone with Alexander discussing diverse topics such as family and community as well as the fight game. What follows are the highlights of our conversation.

FightTicker.com: Houston, thank you for taking the time to speak with me. What have you been up to lately?

Alexander: I just got back from Chicago and I am getting into full training mode for my fight with Eric Schafer here in Nebraska on September 17th.

FightTicker.com: You must be extremely excited to be fighting in front of your hometown fans. What do you know about your opponent?

Alexander: Well I know he has excellent BJJ skills, in fact I'd say he's one of the best in the game right now.

FightTicker.com: I'd say you would have the advantage in the power department. What do you think are his weaknesses?

Alexander: I have learned to never underestimate any fighter so I won't say I have an advantage. You really have to respect his jiu-jitsu. Anyone that makes it to the UFC is here for a reason, they are a great fighter.

FightTicker.com: What is your background? Where did you get started in as far as fighting, wrestling, etc.?

Alexander: When I was younger I was a wrestler in high school and afterwards did a little boxing.

FightTicker.com: How many fights would you estimate you have participated in?

Alexander: You mean legal ones?! I would say over 200. With the majority of them lasting less than 1 minute.

FightTicker.com: What is your biggest strength?

Alexander: I would have to say I have very good instincts. People say it's my power but my instincts are my best skill. I need to work on my jiu-jitsu, that's the hardest thing to learn.

FightTicker.com: What does a typical training day consist of?

Alexander: I wake up at 5 am and get to the gym by 6 am. I do my cardio which wakes my body up and gets the blood going. Second workout at 10 am consists of lifting and running to tweak my muscles. Third workout at 1 pm is sparring both boxing and jiu-jitsu.

FightTicker.com: Where do you currently train? And would you ever consider going to one of the bigger camps such as ATT, AKA or Xtreme Couture?

Alexander: I currently train with Mick Doyle who is a two- or three-time Muay Thai champion. I would love to go to other gyms and learn from those guys. It's always good to train with other people as you pick up different things from different partners. I also train at Bob Shamrock's in Chicago.

FightTicker.com: Have you always lived in Nebraska?

Alexander: I was raised in East St. Louis until I was eight and then moved here to Nebraska.

FightTicker.com: Do you believe that this is a do-or-die fight for you considering your last two fights have been losses?

Alexander: Not at all. I have been in MMA for over eight years and I know all about the ups and downs. I know what type of fighter I am and I think the UFC does as well. I will learn from my mistakes and move on.

FightTicker.com: Speaking of your last fight with James Irvin, do you feel as though it was stopped too early?

Alexander: Yes, it definitely was. After reviewing the tape you can see I was hit in the shoulder. I was clearly cognizant -- I don't know what the ref saw.

FightTicker.com: What is your take on The Ultimate Fighter?

Alexander: It's a good show and has gotten a lot of people into MMA. As you explained to me before, you were hooked after watching Bonnar-Griffin and I am sure there are millions more like you brought in by the show.

FightTicker.com: Who are your five top light heavyweights?

Alexander: That's really tough. Of course you have Rampage, Wanderlai Silva, Tito -- when he was in his prime he set everything off.

FightTicker.com: Who do you think will win between Forrest Griffin & Rampage?

Alexander: Rampage is a funny guy and he's great to be around. He's very real -- what you see is what you get. I think the fight will be a lot tougher than people think. You have two very athletic fighters, evenly matched. Griffin has proven time and time again not to count him out.

FightTicker.com: Any thought on Anderson Silva moving up to 205?

Alexander: Anderson is unbelievable. He has tore through the middleweight division and is looking for a new challenge. I think he'll do fine.

FightTicker.com: What do you think about Kimbo Slice and EliteXC?

Alexander: Well they made Kimbo the face of MMA and put him on the cover of ESPN. He is living the American dream I have nothing but love for him. He has never lied to anyone. He is training to make himself a better fighter and that's all you can ask of the man. As far as EXC is concerned I don't know too much about it.

FightTicker.com: What do you think of the criticism of MMA by these uneducated reporters?

Alexander: I don't pay much attention to them. How could you make a judgment without first getting to know the topic you are reporting on? I hope they realize that football is much more serious than MMA and has far more serious injuries than MMA does.

FightTicker.com: How do you feel about the fighter's pay scale? What do you think could be done to make it better?

Alexander: With the addition of the other organizations it gives fighters more options and allows us to jump ship. Competition is good. As the sport grows so will the fighters salaries.

FightTicker.com: How many children do you have? What are their ages?

Alexander: I have six kids ranging in age from five to 16. I have three boys and three girls.

FightTicker.com: What do your children think about you fighting and would you encourage them or discourage them from fighting?

Alexander: They are proud of what I do and if my kids wanted to fight then I would encourage it. It's good to have a goal. Right now some of my kids are wrestling and playing football.

FightTicker.com: With six kids and training full time how do you balance everything?

Alexander: I am very good at balancing everything. I am home everyday and I train while they are at school.

FightTicker.com: Are you still on the radio?

Alexander: Yes, I have a show on Sunday nights from 7-10 called Raw. It's on Power 106.9 You can check it out at www.power1069fm.com.

FightTicker.com: I know you are involved with outreach programs. Can you fill us in a little about those?

Alexander: I go to schools and speak with kids about culture and their forefathers. I teach them about the positive aspects of hip-hop. It's called "The Culture Shock School Tour."

FightTicker.com: Mr. Alexander, it was certainly a pleasure speaking with you and I can not begin to express my sincere gratitude to you for taking the time to speak with me tonight. I wish you the best of luck in your next fight and everything you do after that as well.

Alexander: No problem, you have my number -- you can call me anytime. I am always available.

(Photo of Houston Alexander courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)