Steve "Robot" Cantwell - Official UFC® Fighter Profile

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Steve Cantwell

Thoughts on opponent, Vladimir Matyushenko? He’s a good guy with decent stand up and real good control on the ground and he looks strong as hell. I just have to keep it in his mind and show him throughout the fight that I’m the younger, stronger and faster fighter out there

Training: Wake up, eat breakfast, go to jiu-jitsu, lunch, kickboxing, strength and conditioning, eat and sleep.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in kickboxing when I was 16 and haven’t stopped yet.

What ranks and titles have you held? Last WEC light heavyweight champion in history (organization discontinued the 205-pound weight class in 2008).

Do you have any heroes? Jesus

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I'm extremely thankful, it's a dream come true for me. It is definitely something I can't take for granted. Not everyone gets a chance to make a dream come true. This is just the beginning; without hard work, dedication, focus, perseverance and heart it can quickly turn into a nightmare.

What was your job before you started fighting? Student and trainer

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? As an amateur I won a couple grappling tournaments such as Grappling Quest and Desert Quest. I also won a few amateur kickboxing fights.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? As a pro I won the WEC light heavyweight championship at the age of 21.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: At this moment I’m a black belt in kickboxing under Nick Blomgren and I’m a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Sergio Pehna.

Favorite grappling technique: Nothing in particular, but I do prefer to break something rather than putting someone to sleep.

Favorite Striking technique: Too many ways to knock someone out to have a favorite, but it's always cool to jump, spin, fly, scissor, kick or punch someone.