TJ Waldburger

TRAINING: An hour of cardio or strength and conditioning, then three hours of MMA technique and sparring, then another three hours of technique and sparring later in the day. I will also mix in watching/studying film and mental imagery.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I had been watching UFC’s and found out there was a school down the road, so in Feb ’05 I tried it out and fell in love with it.

What ranks and titles have you held? None

Do you have any heroes? I have a lot of respect for the soldiers; they risk their lives for us and it is sad that we fighters get more respect than them.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It is a milestone for my career and my school, Grapplers Lair

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I took some classes, but I started fighting professionally while in high school, so training became a priority

What was your job before fighting? I became a pro fighter in high school so I didn’t have a job. Texas banned all amateur fighting after my 3rd amateur fight and we didn’t know how long the ban would last, so I had to go pro or quit fighting.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition:   Xtreme Fighting Championship Welterweight Champion, Masters of the Cage Welterweight Champion, Sharkfights Welterweight Champion with 1 defense

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Brown belt in BJJ

Favorite grappling technique: Figure Four Underwear Toe Hold

Favorite striking technique: Backfist by John Pseudo