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OMAHA, NE - FEBRUARY 14: Phil De Fries weighs 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 *** Phil De Fries

Phil De Fries

TRAINING: Typical days of training here involve sparring and drills, usually with Phil Davis and Joey Beltran. In the evening I will usually hit pads and doing some specific conditioning so that I’m feeling my fittest for this fight.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started practicing BJJ at 14 and became addicted to martial arts. I’ve always thought fighters were kinda cool, so I just wanted to be part of it.

What ranks and titles have you held? BJJ purple belt with 4 stripes, Seni purple belt champion, Urban Gorillas purple belt champion, London open purple belt champion , Northern Open champion x2, Supremacy FC heavyweight British champion, Ultimate Warrior Challenge, Heavyweight British champion.

Do you have any heroes? Just all the guys I train with

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means so much to me; it’s the ultimate stage to showcase your ability.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No

What was your job before you started fighting? Drugs advice worker

Favorite grappling technique: D’Arce choke

Favorite Striking technique: double jab