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LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 7: (L-R) Yoislandy Izquierdo and Rafaello Oliveira exchange punches during their lightweight bout at UFC 148 inside MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 7, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Yoislandy Izquierdo; Rafaello Oliveira

Yoislandy Izquierdo

TRAINING: My days are pretty hectic and very busy. I attend Zen Jiu-Jitsu in the mornings to practice Jiu-Jitsu, and in the evenings I go to Young Tigers to practice my stand-up and MMA. In between, I fit in physical training and I make sure I dedicate some time to my family as well. By the time the day ends I'm pretty exhausted.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training for fighting at the age of 12 in karate-do for health reasons. I was asthmatic, and thanks to the sport I was able to breathe better and eventually not experience any more symptoms. Throughout the years I mastered other martial arts such as San-Shou. After seeing my victories as an amateur fighter, I realized that I have a talent in martial arts and decided to train harder. Once I left Cuba I pursued my career as a professional fighter in MMA.

What ranks and titles have you held? Brown belt in Wado Ryu karate-do 2001, CFA belt lightweight championship 2011, 3rd Dan black belt judokickbox 2012, ISKA Champion 2009

Do you have any heroes? Jesus Christ is my hero. I wouldn’t be here without him.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC, the world’s largest MMA organization, means that I can show the world my talent and be able to provide a better future for my family, especially my two daughters. It means that once I succeed further in the organization I will be able to provide more help to those in need. It is an honor to be a part of this big family that is the UFC.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I attended school post high school in Cuba and studied sales management.

What was your job before you started fighting? The job I had and still have is working for an export company loading vehicles into containers being exported overseas.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 6 gold medals in karate youth nationals, 4 wins in Sanda San-shou tournaments were I won one Silver and 3 Gold medals

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? I have had 6 victories and in my last bout I won the lightweight tournament in the organization Championship Fighting Alliance on December 17, 2011

Favorite grappling technique: no specific one

Favorite Striking technique: Anything that KOs my opponent.