Five Questions With Ricardo Lamas

Dedicating his life to staying at the top of his craft, the Chicago gym-rat turned gym-owner always shows up in peak mental and physical condition, and as such, always finds himself in the thick of the featherweight fray.

We caught up with him on the ground in Argentina this week, where he’ll look to put an uncharacteristic two-fight slide behind him. We wanted to know how he prepared for Darren Elkins, if he feels a heightened sense of urgency with this fight, and, of course, goats.

UFC: First and most importantly, tell us about the goat yoga.

RL: My wife, after having our second child, was having some issues with post-partum depression and anxiety and stuff like that. She was looking into lots of different homeopathic ways of curing it without having to go pop pills or take medicine. Animals are one way to help deal with stuff like that. She came across the goat yoga thing, and it was more for mental [wellness], and it was awesome! For me, it was just an excuse to go play with goats. I did about five minutes of yoga and spent the rest of the time playing with goats. But it’s good! Anyone out there who’s having any mental health issues, look into it. Because when you’re there, with animals, you tend to forget about all your other problems. It relaxes you and it helps a lot.

UFC: Do you think there could be a benefit there for fighters?

RL: Of course, yeah. Yoga too, in general. Just getting away from the gym, being in a quiet place, focusing on your breathing and relaxing is beneficial to anyone, not only fighters.

UFC: You’ve drawn Darren Elkins this Saturday. Where do you have an advantage against him?

RL: I feel like I have an advantage everywhere. I feel like I’m faster, more explosive. I feel like I have better jiu-jitsu. I know he’s tough, I know he’s durable, and I prepared for that. I know this isn’t going to be a walk-through fight. I’m ready for a war.

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