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UFC 127 Weigh-in: Tom Blackledge

Tom Blackledge

TRAINING: Most mornings I go for my run, eat breakfast then head over to the Wolfslair for boxing or Thai training. I take a little rest then it’s on to either MMA or BJJ training, depending on what my coaches have planned for me. After food, I then go to my conditioning coach’s gym and do my strength and conditioning.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training MMA when I was around 18 whilst training in various disciplines. After watching the early UFC's I decided I wanted to be able to do that and so I started learning a lot of the techniques I saw being used by the fighters then.

What ranks and titles have you held? Cage Gladiators heavyweight champion, UK grappling no gi champion, FILA world grappling games finalist, G&S quickest knockout, M-1 best KO of 2009

Do you have any heroes? None

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means everything to me. It’s the one place every fighter wants to reach. I’ve dreamed of fighting for the UFC for over ten years and to finally get my chance is the greatest thing ever.

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

What was your job before you started fighting? I have had many crappy jobs to fund me through my earlier fighting career until I opened up my own gym teaching MMA.

Favorite grappling technique: all chokes

Favorite Striking technique: Roundhouse kicks