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Yancy Medeiros

TRAINING: Training is always a progression of breaking my limits. I don't train to fight him specifically; I make sure I know what my opponent’s strengths are and what can make me lose the fight. I put nothing past them. I train to enforce my will on my opponent and make them fight me. I train to take the athleticism out of them and make them fight me with their heart. At the end of the fight I will gain their respect, no matter the outcome.

Thoughts on opponent, Joe Ellenberger? He’s not 14-1 for nothing, and I’m not taking him lightly. I know he hasn't fought for a while, but that doesn't mean he hasn't improved and hasn't been training. I'm excited to fight this guy, and excited to represent my team, and especially Hawaii.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I was always competitive growing up. I took karate and wrestled in High School and then went up to 245 pounds. I got sick looking in the mirror and I started training to lose weight. I had my first amateur fight, and I felt I could prosper in this, so I became passionate about training and my health.

What ranks and titles have you held? 205 destiny state title.

Do you have any heroes? Professor Martin Buell & my father for my upbringing, Nick and Nate Diaz for changing my nutrition and instilling a great work ethic and healthiness in my life.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means I can finally represent myself, my team, and especially Hawaii, in the best fighting promotion in the world.

What was your job before you started fighting? Painter

Favorite grappling technique: Guillotine

Favorite striking technique: Liver shot