TRAINING: Monday: morning - MMA sparring. night - physical conditioning (cardio and strength training).Tuesday: night - kickboxing sparring. Wednesday: during the day - physical conditioning (strength training). night - wresting and striking. Thursday: morning - MMA sparring. night - grappling and striking. Friday: night - kickboxing sparring. Saturday: during the day - physical conditioning (cardio and strength training). Sunday: OFF.

When and why did you start training for fighting? When I was in a high school, MMA became very popular in Japan so I wanted to try it after I was done with my school sports.

What ranks and titles have you held? I won a rookie of the year award in Shooto back in 2005, and last year, I won the Cage Force bantamweight tournament.

Do you have any heroes? I respect Chiyonofuji, one of the best grand champions (Yokozuna) in the history of sumo.

What is your favorite technique? Striking, especially punches.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I am honored to be able to fight on the world's best stage, the UFC.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I just got a master's degree in electrical engineering.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was in college, then graduated school while I was fighting in Shooto and Cage Force shows, so I only held a part time jobs working at the gas station.

•    Won Fight of the Night honors for bouts against Torres and Jorgensen

•    Five wins by KO, one by submission

•    Pro since 2005