Question: Nick, what are your thoughts going in?

Thompson: I basically feel the same way as Jake. Fighting for a title is only as good as the competition within the organization. Jake is one of the best in the world. I feel I'm one of the best in the world. So I'm honored to fight him for the title. For it to be on CBS is just icing on the cake. We're both very technical fighters who are going to show the world what mixed martial arts is truly about.

Question: Nick, aren't you following up this fight with your bar exam?

Thompson: Two days later I take the bar exam.

DeLuca: We'll see what happens on both. We're excited to see you guys fight. Thomas, do you want to say a few words to everyone?

Denny: I'd like to give a big thanks to Terry Trebilcock, Jeremy and J.T. Steele. These guys have all been working really hard, have always believed in me and brought me into EliteXC. Man, I'm excited. Nick and I were supposed to fight three or four times but it just never materialized -- whether the shows fell apart, the money wasn’t right, whatever it was. I'm going to fight him in his own hometown, finally getting to bang and scrap it out with him. Thanks for the opportunity, guys.

Question: Jake, do you look at this as sort of home fight for you? The last time you fought in Stockton was when you were there for the state wrestling tournament.

Shields: I definitely think of this as a home fight. I mean, Stockton is not my exact home, but (it is) pretty much. Anywhere in northern California is pretty much like fighting at home. I grew up an hour and a half from Stockton, in Calaveras and wrestled the state meet in Stockton. Now I'm an hour and a half the other direction in San Francisco. I go there, train with the Diaz boys. It's pretty much ?? I definitely think this as a home fight for me.

Question: Do you think that's any advantage? Your dad (Jack) said most of the town of Mountain Ranch will probably pack up and head down there.

Shields: Is it an advantage? I don't know, maybe a small one. It's always good to be home. I'm used to fighting away, like in Japan. So it's one of those things; it's an advantage, but a very small one.

Question: Jake, do you feel there are distractions because this is a home game for you?

Shields: Yeah, exactly. It almost could be looked at as a negative, too, having all my friends, family, everyone calling, trying to get tickets, having me arrange things, helping. I almost prefer taking off and disappearing. But it is nice to have everyone get to watch, too.