Strikeforce light heavyweight Lorenz Larkin trains near where he grew up in the Southern California's Inland Empire. Being so close to home, family remains a big part in his life and it shows in his training.

Larkin's mother tells Erik Fontanez from http://mmaweekly.com/ she was a boxer and originally got her son into boxing years ago. Looks as though that paid off because Larkin's hands are his best attribute, according to the 25-year-old fighter.

In this exclusive interview, Larkin and his mom talk about the 205-pound fighter's best traits and give their take on what to expect in his fight with "King Mo" Lawal for Jan. 7.

Check out the video...