Close Thumbnails

Getty Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image or clip. If you violate our intellectual property you may be liable for: actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image or clip, and, where appropriate, the costs of collection and/or statutory damages up to $150,000 (USD).

photo 1 of 153

UFC 119: Guillard vs. Stephens

Melvin Guillard

TRAINING: Video games, training, and more training

When and why did you start training for fighting? I was senior in high school and my wrestling coach Warren Donley started training me for MMA.

What ranks and titles have you held? Wrestling: Louisiana State champion 2002, Wrestled 2 years Louisiana junior national team. Wrestled one year at Colby College. I’ve held two Kickboxing titles and eight MMA titles including the Battle of New Orleans and Battle in the Bayou titles.

Do you have any heroes? Kevin Randleman, Randy Couture, Matt Hughes and Vitor Belfort. They have all inspired me in my career.

What is your favorite technique? My kicks.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means the world to me. The UFC is the Super Bowl of fighting. If you are not in the UFC you might as well not be fighting.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Graduated from Colby College in Kansas with a degree in Criminal Law

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked in the family contracting business. Now I’m training full time for fighting.