I feel great being the first Mexican heavyweight UFC champion.
I was born in Mexico, I grew up in Mexico, and along the way, I learned to love Mexico. I think anyone who has stepped foot on this land - not to mention all Mexican people - will agree that it's not difficult to love Mexico.
It's my heritage overall, my people. Mexicans are known for being hard-working people, showing a lot of heart. I wanted to show people I am Mexican and I'm proud of it.
Mexico will never accept U.S. military intervention. Mexicans always remember 1848.
I hope for my children, and for all Mexicans, that they can be proud to be Mexican, proud of their heritage, and proud that they have a peaceful, inclusive, vibrant country that is playing a role in the world.
People who know Mexico know me because I'm so much a part of Mexico.
We're Mexican not Mexican't!
It's always Canelo, and it's Mexican Independence Day, so I know that. But I am the champion, and just looking back on that, that is one reason why I hope they'll respect that I'm champion and be fair.
I have a lot of respect for Mexico.
Mexican fighters have a great tradition. They come to fight, and they don't back down.
Any Mexican, would recognise that Mexico was abused, undervalued and downgraded in international circles, most of all by the United States.
I don't see how can I offend Mexicans with the truth. It is what Mexicans want to hear.
Every Mexican fighter has the heart; they work hard with their training, and they never give up. That's the mentality I always had and always saw growing up.
If I win, it sends out a powerful message about the strength of Mexican people.
Cinco de Mayo is an important day. The Mexicans had to defend themselves from the French. It is historically significant, but it is not Mexican Independence Day.
The Latino people in the U.S. and the Mexicans in Mexico need a UFC champion. We have a rich tradition in boxing, and to not have a Mexican heavyweight champion is unheard of. We need it. I'm glad I'm able to be in a position to give them that champion they so desperately want.
I was taken in by the bravado and the sounds of Mexico... not so much the music, but the spirit.
And it's a big honor to be fighting for the title and to put a Mexican-American on top of the heavyweight division. I can give a lot of people some kind of inspiration by winning this title.
Seeing Mexicans in the media is rare. Seeing role models on TV is rare. So who do we look up to? We're not seen on football fields or basketball courts. So we look up to fighters; they're Mexican. They are out there fighting, representing their people, and winning champions. We look up to them.
I love all Mexicans.
It's a big responsibility and great motiviation to be a Mexican fighter who is admired, and I thank God for the support I get from Mexicans on both sides of the border.
About Rafa Marquez, I don't think there are enough words to describe what he represents to all Mexican players.
I wanted to make 'Mexicana Hermosa.' It's a love song, but it isn't. It's more like a song as if Mexico was the Maria, the beautiful woman that I love.
