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STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - APRIL 13: (L-R) Light heavyweight opponents Cyrille Diabate and Tom DeBlass face off after weighing in during the official UFC on Fuel TV weigh in event at Ericsson Globe on April 13, 2012 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Cyrille Diabate

Training: Muay Thai + BJJ + MMA

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training for combat sports and competing 19 years ago.

What ranks and titles have you held? I have been ranked in the top 5 in all the major kickboxing and Muay Thai rankings. I have been world champion 4 times.

Do you have any heroes? My mother

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It's a big step in my MMA career. A dream come true. Now I have to reach my highest goal.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I studied English here in France.

What was your job before you started fighting? I have been fighting since I was 18!!! But I have had various jobs: bodyguard, bouncer, stuntman, etc

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? A few times French national champ in kickboxing and Muay Thai

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? French national champion in kickboxing / Muay Thai / Shidokan karate. World champ in Shidokan karate / Muay Thai/ Sanda/ cage fighting

Ranks in any martial arts styles: no1 in Shidokan Karate, Shootboxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing

Favorite grappling technique: armbar

Favorite Striking technique: elbow