Iceland Express has a deal this month in which you can fly from London to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland for only $367. Of course if you're located in the states, getting to London is the hard part. The easiest and cheapest way is to hide in the airplane's wheel well and read a good book for the next thirteen hours. That is, if you don't freeze to death from the extreme sub-zero temperatures high in the atmosphere. Regardless of if any of you die from being turned into an icicle, the blood in your veins will never be as cold as Iceland's Gunnar Nelson.

10-0-1 and he's finished all but one of his MMA bouts in the first round. Good luck UFC welterweight division, the plane of existence Nelson resides on hasn't even been discovered by scientists yet. Iceland's WOW Air interviewed the 24-year-old up-and-comer about his approach to fighting, and it's pretty damn interesting.

You know your opponent’s goal is to beat you up, and at first it’s terrifying but when you get used to it your perspective changes. Some think rage can help you in the ring but it doesn’t – same goes for fear. You cannot be emotionally involved in the ring, because those feelings will get in the way.

To me, it’s important to train in an environment where I am comfortable. Sometimes I want to train hard but other days I want to play, an attitude many athletes lose with time. They think maximum result during training is necessary and can’t stand to lose to training partners. That to me is a mistake and it is generally a bad idea to stand on a pedestal. If you do that, you’ll miss out on so many things you could learn. During training sessions, I’ve been beaten up numerous times, by fighters I would easily take inside the ring. It’s okay to give up sometimes, because it means you’ll come back stronger. It’s important to be playful and I think that’s the key to success, not just for athletes but for everyone; also to be calm and composed. The better you feel, and the more at ease you are with everyone and everything, the easier it is to focus; also your brain functions quicker, and you have more ambition, energy and self-confidence

I am very good at being by myself, and unlike those who distract themselves with television, I like to reflect upon matters and reach my own conclusions. Honest and sincere contemplation is all about chasing a feeling within, considering matters through meditation and applying them systematically” he explained. “People keep asking me why I don’t set specific goals for myself, but if the truth be told, goals become restrictions. The best way for me to succeed is to focus on what I am doing

Johny Hendricks vs. Gunnar Nelson for the UFC welterweight title shot -- or am I just jumping the gun too much? Either way, you know it's coming -- and we'll happily drop the $54.99 to watch it.

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+16 # Hooplei 2013-01-07 23:21

That's probably the realest thing I've read, most people seem to think it's all about being the toughest, but it's more about staying humble IMO.

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+5 # Eyjafjallajökull 2013-01-08 07:24

I hope Gunnar will become champion if not least for his attitude as mentioned above. Am sick n tired of all the amped up idiots in the sport and would love nothing more than for Gunnar to teach some of them a lesson. Perhaps a Koschech fight might be good after the Edwards fight if Gunnar does well...

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+10 # Yes. Yes I did. 2013-01-08 08:22

With this mind-set, he's gunnar go far...

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+3 # Eyjafjallajökull 2013-01-08 08:55

the Monson fight at the ADCC if anyones interested --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbgkTemp9hE

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+2 # Jerkface 2013-01-08 10:30

'Keep it playful, my friends. Daaaaaaaaang,'

Seriously though, the guy is right. Plans are needed and all, but goals can be restrictions. By creating these expectations for the future we are taken out of the present moment and also setting lofty goals often create more opportunities for disappointment. It's about being where you are rather whether it's in training or a championship bout.

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0 # Jerkface 2013-01-08 10:31

*creates

*It's about being where you are whether it's in training or a championship bout.

Guh, Engrish.

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+2 # minestoosmallsadface 2013-01-08 11:30

IMO Gunnar Nelson still would need to beat an intermediate yet formidable opponent before he takes on Hendricks or Koscheck, etc even if he beats Edwards.

Gunnar Nelson vs. Erick Silva would be sweet.

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0 # fuckandersonsilva 2013-01-08 11:55

damn, you just, you just blew my mind

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