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Rob Yundt

TRAINING: My days change as I get bored but I train my Jits at least 5 times a week, boxing and cardio 3 times a week, spar 2-3 times a week and condition 3 days a week. I've tweaked my training since my last fight and I don't spend more than 90 minutes training at a time without a break. This way I can go hard at all times and when I'm done I eat and sleep.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I missed competing. I was a two-time high school All-American in wrestling but I didn’t go to college. In Alaska a lot of guys don’t leave, they just stay home and work, and I missed competing. I had been away from it for probably seven years. I had been coaching wrestling and lifting weights and doing lots of weightlifting competitions, but nothing where it was real competition. But my coach was doing MMA forever, and after some friends of mine started doing it, I went and started doing it. I was helping them with the wrestling, one thing led to another, and the next thing you know, I had seven fights.

What ranks and titles have you held? Two-time All-American wrestler in high school.

Do you have any heroes? My little brother – he’s the greatest guy on Earth.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means a lot. I missed competing and this sport is the ultimate form of competition and the UFC is at the pinnacle of that. After I started in the sport and started winning, doing well, and started learning jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai, it was a goal of mine instantly. I’ve never been one to shy away from reaching high; in wrestling I didn’t even start until seventh grade and I was way behind the ball and still caught up fast. I pick things up well and I want to be the best at anything I do. I’ve turned down a lot of offers hoping this would come around eventually, and sure enough, here it is. I’m young in my career, but I’m ready.

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

What was your job before you started fighting? I’m the youngest general contractor in Alaska and have been for probably four years. I do about two million dollars a year in new construction.

OTHER

• Took the Almeida fight on just four days notice, replacing Alan Belcher.

• Three wins by TKO, two by submission

• Recently trained with Tito Ortiz and Team Punishment in Big Bear, CA