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BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL - JUNE 23: (R-L) Milton Vieira delivers a knee to the mid-section of Felipe Arantes during their UFC 147 featherweight bout at Estadio Jornalista Felipe Drummond on June 23, 2012 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Milton Vieira

TRAINING: I am training my ground game a lot, and I am training my striking with Sergio Cunha. The striking aspect of my training camp is important to help me nullify my opponent's game. Sergio Cunha is an accomplished coach from Chute Boxe and he has been great help in this camp. Of course, I am working hard with my wrestling and strength and conditioning.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training as a young boy in Luta Livre. A few years later I met the late Carlson Gracie. He supported me and I joined his team. That is when I started my fighting career, and I have never looked back since.

What ranks and titles have you held? 2X Abu Dhabi Veteran, Lutra Live Brazilian Champion, 3X Luta Livre State Champion, some other events as well in no gi.

Do you have any heroes? My Father.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? My UFC debut is a consequence of everything that I have worked for in the last 10 years of my fighting career. This is my dream coming true and it is very important for me.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No college education. I stopped going to college to focus my life on MMA.

What was your job before you started fighting? Fighting has always been my life. I am a lifelong martial artist. I used to help my father in his career when I was a boy. My father was a tailor.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Pride Veteran, Deep Veteran, M-1 Veteran, Bitteti Combat Veteran, and Mecca Veteran.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Black Belt Lutra Livre.

Favorite grappling technique: Anaconda Choke

Favorite Striking technique: Flying Knee