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UFC Fight for the Troops Weigh in: Chris Cariaso

Chris Cariaso

TRAINING: I am really working my cardio and strength for this fight, so I am doing a lot of sprints and strength training. I usually will start with cardio or grappling in the morning and strength in the afternoon and striking and sparring at night.

Thoughts on opponent, Jussier Formiga? I am very excited for this fight. I think the contrast of our styles makes this a very intriguing fight. He is a very good grappler and has good striking. I have the defense to keep the fight standing, where I am much stronger. But if we go to the ground he will be threatened in every position.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I have been in martial arts since I was five. I saw some Bruce Lee films and I wanted to do what he was doing. When I was 11 I started training Muay Thai, and a few months later I had my first fight. Since then I have been hooked. I want to be the best that I can be.

What ranks and titles have you held? I have been the IKF US SanShou Champion, ISKA California Champion, SF Golden Gloves Champion. The Current ICSF MMA World Champion.

Do you have any heroes? Muhammad Ali is my all time hero.

What is your favorite technique? My favorite technique is the kick to the leg.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC is a dream of mine. I didn’t think that I would be able to do it in my career. I am definitely going to make my family and the UFC proud.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I never went to college. I learned business by working for the late Alex Gong and now I own one of the top Muay Thai gyms in the nation. I didn’t need to go to college. I have always known what I wanted to do and I have never doubted my decision.

What was your job before you started fighting? The only job that I have ever had (since 16) was teaching Muay Thai and working in gyms.