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NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Akira Corassani enters the arena before his featherweight fight against Andy Ogle at the UFC on Fuel TV event at Capital FM Arena on September 29, 2012 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Akira Corassani

TRAINING: A typical day of training includes high and low intensity training. I mix it up with my coaches and we make sure my body is running smoothly as the machine it is!

When and why did you start training for fighting? Van Damme influenced me a lot, and where I was living you had to defend yourself from the other kids. I started martial arts when I was around seven years old. At the age of 14, soccer became my life and not until the age of 22 did I find MMA.

What ranks and titles have you held? Black on Red in Tae Kwon Do and a Purple belt in BJJ

Do you have any heroes? My mother

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means that I did something right and all the hard work paid off. A new journey may now begin!

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I got into a 3D graphics school but dropped off to pursue this path of becoming a Ninja

What was your job before you started fighting? Freelance Web and graphics designer

Favorite grappling technique: Anything that makes my opponent want to give up

Favorite Striking technique: Anything that makes my opponent hit the canvas