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Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (L) and Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida (R) face off as UFC President Dana White looks on at the UFC 123 pre-fight press conference at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Detroit, Michigan on November 17, 2010 (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via

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Training: When I am about 2 months away from fighting, I try to relax as much as possible. I do my strength and conditioning work in the morning. After working out, I move on to training my groundwork with my brother, this includes ground and pound and submissions. In the afternoon I train Karate techniques with my father and brothers. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays I spar with local sparring partners. This sparring is what resembles most a real fight.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training Karate at the age of 3. I started training to fight MMA at the age of 17. I always wanted to fight MMA professionally.

What ranks and titles have you held? UFC light heavyweight champion. Karate: Brazilian Champion twice, and 2nd in South American Championship. Black Belt in Shotokan karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Do you have any heroes? My Father

What is your favorite technique? That will be revealed on May 8th.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I want to get to the top of the UFC. My Dad always taught me to strive to be the best, and that’s what I plan to do in the UFC. It’s a great honor to fight in this event.

What was your job before you started fighting? I taught and competed in Karate

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