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LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 12: Daniel Pineda weighs in during the TUF 17 Finale weigh-in at the Hollywood Theatre at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino on April 12, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Daniel Pineda

TRAINING: Other than my fight with Mike Brown, this is the only other time I have had a full training camp. This is the longest layoff I have ever had between fights, so I have focused on learning and growing in all areas. Prior to fight camp, I spent a week with Johnny Bedford, and Johny Hendricks at Team Takedown, and Bedford came down to train with us. We try to help each other any time we can .I recently received two stripes on my brown belt in BJJ, and of course I’m continuing to develop my striking with Bob Perez. For my fight camp I have hit it hard. Mon, Wed, and Fri I work strength and conditioning in the morning, technical striking and pads in the mid day, and spar in the evening. On Tues and Thurs I roll in the morning, run mid day, and do technical BJJ and wrestling in the evening, followed by sparring. Sat I spar, spar, spar. I am feeling great with my weight and my diet is on point...and technically I'm better than ever.

Thoughts on opponent, Justin Lawrence? I think that Justin is a tough opponent. He has a lot of standup experience, and has solid wrestling as well. However, we have studied him in great detail and have developed a strong game plan to beat him. I never take anyone lightly, so we are prepared to go to war.

When and why did you start training for fighting? My brother pushed me into training to keep me out of trouble on the streets.

What ranks and titles have you held? Legacy 145 & 155 belt. Brown belt in BJJ.

Do you have any heroes? No

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? The world!

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No

What was your job before you started fighting? Construction

Favorite grappling technique: ground and pound.

Favorite Striking technique: overhand right.