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SAN JOSE, CA - NOVEMBER 16: Dan Henderson answers questions from the media during the UFC 139 open workouts at the Heroes Martial Arts Gym on November 16, 2011 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Dan Henderson

TRAINING: Training is the same as usual for this fight, with the exception of having my guys emulating Machida.

When and why did you start training for fighting? My first fight was in 1997, but I didn’t really train in fighting for it. I did it to make some money to keep wrestling and I thought I’d be good at it.

What ranks and titles have you held? Former PRIDE Middleweight and Welterweight Champion (1st fighter in history to hold both belts simultaneously), 1992 and 1996 United States Olympic Greco-Roman Wrestling team member, 1988 USA Junior Freestyle champion, 1988 USA Junior Greco-Roman champion, 3-time USA Senior Greco-Roman champion, 3-time USA University Greco-Roman champion, 1990 USA FILA Junior World Greco-Roman champion, 1990 Amateur Wrestling News Freshman All-American, 1990-91 U.S. Olympic Festival champion, 1991 and 1993-94 University Nationals champion, 1993-94 U.S. Nationals champion, UFC 17 middleweight tournament winner, RINGS 1999 King of Kings Absolute tournament winner, coach on season nine of The Ultimate Fighter, former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion.

Do you have any heroes? None

What is your favorite technique? Front choke

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s huge for me to see who the top guy in the world is.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Arizona State University, no degree.

What was your job before you started fighting? Wrestling. I’ve never had a real job in my life.