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Takeya Mizugaki & Reuben Duran

Takeya Mizugaki

TRAINING: I do striking training at Hakkei Gym, which is where I belong. Then in terms of MMA and grappling I train at Ground Slam in Yokohama. And for wresting, Hosei University wrestling team has been allowing me to train with the team. For BJJ I go to Sonic Squad. Then for physical strength training I do privates with my trainer Mr Daiguji at Total Body Work.

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.