TRAINING:

Monday afternoon is physical and conditioning, and night is either wrestling with the Hosei University wrestling team or striking training at Hakkei Gym.

Tuesday - in the afternoon MMA sparring at HEARTS gym, then at night either wrestling or striking training.

Wednesday - afternoon is physical training and conditioning, and night is wrestling with the Hosei University wrestling team.
Thursday - I take the afternoon off, then at night boxing sparring at Yokohama Hikari Boxing gym.
Friday, MMA sparring at Shooting Gym Yokohama, then striking training at Hakkei gym at night.
Saturday is an entire day of physical and conditioning training.
Sunday is off.

When and why did you start training for fighting? When I was in a high school, MMA became very popular in Japan so I wanted to try it after I was done with my school sports.

What ranks and titles have you held? I won a rookie of the year award in Shooto back in 2005, and last year, I won the Cage Force bantamweight tournament.

Do you have any heroes? I respect Chiyonofuji, one of the best grand champions (Yokozuna) in the history of sumo.

What is your favorite technique? Striking, especially punches.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I am honored to be able to fight on the world's best stage, the UFC.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I just got a master's degree in electrical engineering.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was in college, then graduated school while I was fighting in Shooto and Cage Force shows, so I only held a part time jobs working at the gas station.

• Won WEC Fight of the Night honors for bouts against Torres and Jorgensen

• Five wins by KO, one by submission

• Pro since 2005

• Has won six of his last eight