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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 05: Jay Hieron enters the arena before his welterweight fight against Jake Ellenberger at the UFC on FX event at Target Center on October 5, 2012 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Jake Ellenberger

TRAINING: Conditioning in the AM followed by striking/sparring. 3 days jiu-jitsu in the evenings.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training about nine years ago, after watching my buddy fight in a local promotion, the Victory Fighting Championships. I was hooked ever since.

What ranks and titles have you held? I hold the Victory Fighting Championships welterweight title, 2 time IFC world welterweight champion.

Do you have any heroes? My Brothers Joe and Adam, My parents and My Uncle Stu.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I get to showcase my skills against the best fighters in the world.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to the University of Nebraska at Omaha for 3 years, where I studied psychology and was an assistant coach for wrestling.

What was your job before you started fighting? Before fighting I was a full time college student and a former Marine.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? KO'ed MMA legend Jose "Pele" Landi

Ranks in any martial arts styles: I train Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under Rodrigo Vaghi and have a Blue belt in BJJ.

Favorite grappling technique: Chokes

Favorite Striking technique: Uppercut