TRAINING: Training MMA from Monday to Saturday. A typical day of training is broken up into two parts. I wake up at 6 am and head to the park, where I do cardio and physical training. I then head to work and once I leave work in the evening I head to the gym. At the gym I spend time training in kickboxing and wrestling. After I spend a few hours at this gym I head to another gym where I practice jiu-jitsu.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training for fighting at the age of 12 in karate-do for health reasons. I was asthmatic, and thanks to the sport I was able to breathe better and eventually not experience any more symptoms. Throughout the years I mastered other martial arts such as San-Shou. After seeing my victories as an amateur fighter, I realized that I have a talent in martial arts and decided to train harder. Once I left Cuba I pursued my career as a professional fighter in MMA.

What ranks and titles have you held? Brown belt in Wado Ryu karate-do 2001, CFA belt lightweight championship 2011, 3rd Dan black belt judokickbox 2012, ISKA Champion 2009

Do you have any heroes? Jesus Christ is my hero. I wouldn’t be here without him.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC, the world’s largest MMA organization, means that I can show the world my talent and be able to provide a better future for my family, especially my two daughters. It means that once I succeed further in the organization I will be able to provide more help to those in need. It is an honor to be a part of this big family that is the UFC.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I attended school post high school in Cuba and studied sales management.

What was your job before you started fighting? The job I had and still have is working for an export company loading vehicles into containers being exported overseas.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 6 gold medals in karate youth nationals, 4 wins in Sanda San-shou tournaments were I won one Silver and 3 Gold medals

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? I have had 6 victories and in my last bout I won the lightweight tournament in the organization Championship Fighting Alliance on December 17, 2011

Favorite grappling technique: no specific one

Favorite Striking technique: Anything that KOs my opponent.

•    Pro since 2010

•    Three wins by knockout, one by submission

•    Three first round finishes

•    Served in the military in Cuba