Aaron Anspach considers Phil Davis one of his best friends.
They talk about once a week, and when Davis returns to Happy Valley, he bunks at Anspach's place. Though Anspach considers himself Davis' good friend, the former Nittany Lion heavyweight may not watch his former Penn State teammate's second Ultimate Fighting Championship bout, against Alexander Gustafsson in UFC 112, this Saturday.
It's not that their friendship has met a bitter end.
Rather, the problem is one out of Anspach's control -- Davis' fight is an undercard event and may not be featured on the pay-per-view program.
Their friendship doesn't look as if it will end any time soon. Though Davis, nicknamed Mr. Wonderful, has been anointed an up-and-coming star, Anspach said he has kept a humble demeanor.
Mr. Wonderful has been just that in the cage. Davis, a light-heavyweight, has a flawless mixed martial arts record (5-0) with two knockouts.
He dominated his first UFC opponent, Brian Stann, by using his superior wrestling riding ability.
"He's a freak," Anspach said. "He's a specimen as far as athletically."
With Davis' athleticism and an undefeated record -- not to mention his title of 2008 197-pound NCAA champion -- it may seem hard for him to keep a humbled attitude. UFC fans may view him as the possible next big thing, but Davis is not paying any attention to it.
He said he believes what he wants to believe.
"I think I have a lot of talent," Davis said.
To some, it may be an understatement.
At the heart of his talent is wrestling.
Davis, who trains out of San Diego, thinks his prior experience as a wrestler gives him an unfair advantage over opponents and allows him to control matches.
He has even taught wrestling to other professional MMA fighters.
The humbled Davis enjoys the California weather and plans to stay in San Diego with occasional visits back home to Harrisburg and State College -- though Anspach hopes the name Mr. Wonderful doesn't come with him.
Anspach, who has won two MMA bouts, said he is unsure when Davis took on the name Mr. Wonderful.
He thinks one day, Davis started asking others what his nickname should be.
A little kid said, "You're like Mr. Wonderful." Davis liked it and the name stuck.
Though missing the live broadcast of the Davis-Gustafsson fight might not cause the end of the friendship, keeping the nickname Mr. Wonderful might.
"I'm not a big fan of it," Anspach joked.
"He needs to change it."
