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LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 31: Michael Chiesa makes weight during The Ultimate Fighter Live weigh in at the Palms Casino Resort on May 31, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Chiesa

Michael Chiesa

TRAINING: A typical day of training for me is really well-rounded. No day in the gym is specific to one facet; we make sure to touch on a little bit of everything every day. That way I leave no stone unturned on fight night.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training after I saw my first UFC when I was in seventh grade. I just knew that I wanted to be a fighter.

What ranks and titles have you held? I was an outstanding wrestler in high school, and as an amateur I had six titles before I turned pro. I have one pro title in LOTC. I’m a white belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Luiz Claudio.

Do you have any heroes? My dad and my grandpa

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means everything to me just because it’s the premier organization in the sport of mixed martial arts. It’s what I’ve wanted to do and where I’ve wanted to be since I was just a kid. It’s the culmination of all the hard work I put in over the years of wrestling and competing in MMA.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I did three days of college and then I dropped out so I could start fighting

Wed. Sep. 28	Alaska FIGHTING Championship	10:00PM	ET
Sat. Oct. 1	BRACE 43	2:00AM	ET
Sat. Oct. 1	EFN	12:00PM	ET
Sun. Oct. 2	Pancrase	2:00AM	ET
Sat. Oct. 8	BRACE	5:00AM	ET
Sat. Oct. 8	EFN	11:00AM	ET