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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 05: Bart Palaszewski prepares to enter the Octagon before his featherweight fight against Diego Nunes 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)

Bart Palaszewski

TRAINING: Pretty much the same as always. Grappling, wrestling, S&C and a ton of striking. I’m also working on something strategically specific for my opponent.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I just love the pressure and I love the feeling of winning over another guy. When I was 18 I won an amateur tournament and have never looked back.

What ranks and titles have you held: I was multiple defending champ for the XFO, an organization that has launched many careers including UFC, PRIDE, WEC and IFL fighters. Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Do you have any heroes? Jeff Curran has been a big brother to me, a mentor and he has shown me everything I know about fighting. He would have to be my hero.

What is your favorite technique? KO standing, however it happens. As for the ground, I love the triangle.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It's a dream come true. I’ve been wanting this opportunity and have been working for it for almost 10 years. I'm where I belong in my eyes, the biggest MMA stage in the world.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I graduated High School, but never went on to college. I was training and fighting full-time when I was still in High School to be honest.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was in High School and there was a work program that I was part of for a Brake Company in our area. Never planned on doing that full-time though.