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Troy Mandaloniz

When and why did you start training for fighting? Growing up in Hawaii, it's kind of a rough place to be brought up. You need to know how to defend yourself. When the UFC was introduced to the world I was fascinated by it. I have been close friends with BJ Penn and his brothers since grade school and the first time I had seen a UFC, it was with them. We used to wrestle around on his front porch all the time until BJ ventured off to Northern California to pursue a career in jiu-jitsu and fighting. Penn's father arranged to have a black belt from Brazil to move to Hilo and open an academy. The trainer was Renato "Charuto" Verrissimo, who is now a UFC veteran. From then on, MMA has been my calling and the rest is history.

What ranks and titles have you held? None

Do you have any heroes? My mother is my hero.

What is your favorite technique? Any power punch, rear naked choke, and the triangle

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It is the greatest honor to fight for the most prestigious event in the world.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to a technical school for airline occupations in Vancouver, WA and achieved a degree specializing in travel.

What was your job before you started fighting? I've worked numerous jobs, including airline ramp and baggage service, and many service industry jobs. Before leaving for TUF 6, I was a barback for 6 years.