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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 05: Jay Hieron enters the arena before his welterweight fight against Jake Ellenberger at the UFC on FX event at Target Center on October 5, 2012 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Jay Hieron

TRAINING: Twice a day. In the AM, pads or conditioning. In the PM, sparring

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started wrestling when I was 13 to protect myself. I did really well, and after college I got introduced to MMA by a friend & it’s been my profession ever since. I love what I do!

What ranks and titles have you held? Ranked top 10-15 in the world, IFL Welterweight Champion, Bellator tournament champion

Do you have any heroes? My mom & my team - they push me & I push them.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means everything to me. I fought my entire career to be in the UFC and fight in the best organization in the world. This gives me a chance to fight the best fighters in the world and prove I’m one of the best in the world.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to NASSAU C.C. where I received my AA degree. Then I transferred to Hofstra University for a year.

What was your job before you started fighting? None

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 5-0 in kickboxing & junior college national champion in wrestling

Favorite grappling technique: chokes

Favorite Striking technique: combinations