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LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 24: UFC heavyweight contender and former Oklahoma State and Olympic wrestling standout Daniel Cormier interacts with fans during a Q&A session before the UFC 160 weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 24, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Daniel Cormier

TRAINING: My typical day is to get up in the morning, spend some time with my kids, feed them breakfast and then head to the gym. M/W/F sparring and grappling and Tues and Sat wrestling. Thursday is jiu-jitsu and running. Weightlifting on Wednesday and Saturday.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in August of 2009. I wanted to train MMA because I love the competitive aspects of fighting. I love combat.

What ranks and titles have you held? Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix champion

Do you have any heroes? My heroes are all the greatest wrestlers in us history: John Smith, Kevin Jackson, Dan Gable, Kenny Monday and all the guys that came before me in what I believe is the toughest sport in the world.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Being in the UFC means a great deal to me. I have been around it because of my teammates, but to finally fight in the show will be an experience like no other. I can't wait.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to Oklahoma State University and got my degree in sociology.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was the club coach at Oklahoma State and also wrestled internationally post-college.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? I was a six-time US open national champion. Two-time US Olympian (Captain of 2008 team), Pan-Am games champion, NCAA runner up and two-time NJCAA National champ, 2007 world bronze medalist and 2007 USA wrestling wrestler of the year. I was 5th, 9th, and 3rd at world competitions and I was 4th at the Olympic Games.

Favorite grappling technique: guillotine choke.

Favorite Striking technique: overhand right.