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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 02: Diego Brandao weighs in at the official weigh-in for The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale at The Palms Casino Resort on December 2, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Diego Brandao

TRAINING: A lot of Jiu-Jitsu, cardio and conditioning because he is a tough opponent and we have a solid strategy planned for the fight.

Thoughts on opponent, Will Chope? It’s another challenge in my career and I am training hard to put on a great show against him.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training BJJ at the age of 14 after my dad died. I loved to watch the early UFC and Pride fights and always looked up to Wanderlei Silva. When I was 16, I started fighting professionally as a way to earn a living and support my family.

What ranks and titles have you held? TUF 14 featherweight winner. I have a black belt in BJJ, I won the No GI NAGA 2x.

Do you have any heroes? My hero is Wanderlei Silva, because he always puts on a good show. I also look up to Mike Tyson because our lives growing up were similar. If he can make it, I can make it.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? This means everything. Over three years ago, I left my family and Brazil to train at Jackson / Winkeljohn MMA and to get to my dream of the UFC.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No, fighting is my life

What was your job before you started fighting? I used to mix and pour concrete. There were no machines in Brazil to do this.

Favorite grappling technique: Sweeps

Favorite striking technique: Overhand