In MMA, post-fight speeches are often filled with thanks (to God, coaches, and the fallen opponent) and with warnings (to the next opponent, doubters, etc). When Ode “The Jamaican Sensation” Osbourne knocked out Jerome Rivera in 26 seconds at UFC Vegas 18 on Saturday, his remarks were different.

Osbourne is a full-time teacher’s assistant for the fifth and sixth grades at Woodlands School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Fighting in the UFC is his side hustle, and the two came together at the post-fight press conference. One of the things that drives him in the Octagon is being a role model for his students, who are short on them.

Osbourne was asked what his students think of having a UFC fighter for a teacher.

“Man, they don’t care,” he replied. “They do not care. My students, will, like … they’re so used to me. I’m kidding, really. They love that I fight and stuff like that. But, at the end of the day, I’m like dad. Dad could be president of the United States but dad is still dad. Dad can tell you to do your homework, but you’re still going to give dad attitude no matter if your dad is the president or not. It’s the same.”

Most fighters dream of the day they can quit their day job to focus solely on fighting. However, Osbourne told reporters that that is absolutely not his plan.

“I miss them all,” he said. “If you guys are watching, I love all you guys. And I’m excited to see you. It’s been a week! They better [have got their homework done]. Of course I’m going to stay [as a teacher]. They’re the reason I’m here. Seeing their smiles, hugs, and stuff.

“I can’t abandon them. They face that too much already.”

h/t Alan Dawson for Business Insider