Q: For some reason, a few people seem to doubt your status as a powerlifter… why do you think that is?

A: I have no idea why anybody would doubt my status as a powerlifter, and I actually think it's funny. There's plenty of proof out there showcasing my lifts and it will all be revealed at the Olympia.

Q: When did you first hear that you were being challenged to defend your title as the World's Strongest Bodybuilder?

A: I wasn't shocked because I knew somebody would hit their head up against a wall somewhere eventually and want to challenge me in a meet. More than anything I was pissed off about everything that was being said about me, including the lies about me not wanting to take the challenge. People shouldn't believe that I'm the strongest bodybuilder because I say so, they should believe it because my numbers speak for themselves. Nobody intimidates me, so we'll just go head-to-head and see what happens.

Q: You hold a world record deadlift in powerlifting. How many years have you been involved in this sport?

A: I've been lifting heavy my whole life, but I've officially been powerlifting since 1999. I won my very first meet with a total of 2,019 pounds and I've won every other powerlifting meet I've gone into since then. So I'll be looking to keep my winning streak going at the Mr. Olympia.

Q: Both the bench press and the deadlift are being used in this competition. What are your thoughts on these two movements being used as a judge of strength?

A: I think it's fine to use these movements in the competition. I've always said that there's no better judge of strength than the deadlift. There's dead weight on the floor and you can either pull it up off the floor or you can't. Bench press is a popular lift, so it will be a pretty lift for everybody to see. But I think it's very weak and cowardly of this guy to back down on the squat. If you want to see if you're the strongest bodybuilder, you need to do all three lifts or none at all. But I agreed to his stipulations and I'll beat him at his own game.

Q:  In order to compete in this challenge, you've had to forego participating in the 2009 Mr. Olympia. What made you come to this decision, and will you miss being on stage?

A: I'm definitely kicking myself saying I should be doing the Mr. Olympia. But like I said, I'm pissed off! How dare this guy challenge me and make all of these claims. So, I'm going to shut him up real quick at the Olympia.

Q: Will any lifting aids be allowed in this competition such as bench shirts and/or straps or will the competition be judged on raw lifts?

A: When I was first challenged the conditions were to lift raw, which I was fine with. The rules were according to his stipulations, which I agreed to right away because I don't want any complaints from him saying that he was at a disadvantage. Now I've been contacted saying that he wants to use a bench shirt, which I'm disputing. I think if we're going to have a lift off, let's do it raw, man on man, straight up. We don't need any support from anything or anybody; if you train correctly and you're as strong as you say you are then you should be fine.

Q: Are you at all concerned with your competitor or do you think your experience and strength is too much for him to handle?

A: My anger is too much for him to handle, let alone anything else!

Q: Any final words for your competition?

A: He has no idea!