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OMAHA, NE - FEBRUARY 14: (L-R) Featherweight opponents Jonathan Brookins and Vagner Rocha face off after weighing in during the UFC on FUEL TV weigh in event at Omaha Civic Auditorium on February 14, 2012 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Vagner Rocha; Jonathan Brookins; Dana White

Vagner Rocha

TRAINING: I do two or three a days some days ... Striking, conditioning, wrestling, and, of course, lots of BJJ

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training years after the first UFC. I watched the Gracie family showcase their BJJ in the Octagon and I quickly became a fan. Then I realized that I wanted to learn the art of fighting and there was no other way but to learn BJJ with it. Eventually I found a BJJ gym in Florida, Team Popovitch, who helped guide me into my dreams today.

What ranks and titles have you held? I have no title in any MMA organization. I do have a lots of titles in BJJ such as: North American ADCC Trials Champion, 3rd Abu Dhabi World Pro Weight & Absolute, several times NAGA and Grapplers Quest Champion, Brown Belt Pan American Champion, 3rd Brown Belt Gi Worlds.

Do you have any heroes? I'm a really big fan of Renzo Gracie, Wanderlei Silva, Minotauro.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means everything. It means I will have the chance to show people what I do best and to be recognized for my talent. I want to build a legacy, to be remembered and not quickly forgotten like a lot of other guys. That's why fighting in the UFC is so important to me because once I step into that Octagon, people will never forget me.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Only college I went to was the BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU CENTER, that's where I got my degree in Black Belt!

What was your job before you started fighting? Back in the days I used to work in construction. Now for the last couple years I have been teaching BJJ.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Victory over Igor Gracie. It had to be a turning point in my MMA career.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: 1st Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt

Favorite grappling technique: Full Guard

Favorite Striking technique: Straight right hand