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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 20: Lightweight fighter John Alessio weighs in for his bout against Mark Bocek during the UFC 145 official weigh in at Fox Theatre on April 20, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Al Bello/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

John Alessio

TRAINING: A typical day of training for me usually consists of 2 to 3 workouts 6 days a week. I try to train as well rounded as possible, working all aspects of my game: striking, grappling, wrestling and conditioning.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started back in Canada in a garage doing kickboxing and jiu-jitsu, and entered a local event where I was victorious by KO and ever since then I was hooked and wanted to pursue MMA as a career. I feel MMA is the best sport in the world, especially when it comes to one on one sports.

What ranks and titles have you held? KOTC Welterweight champion, KOTC Superfight Champion, TKO Welterweight Champion

Do you have any heroes? My father is one of my biggest heroes and influences in my life. As far as MMA heroes I’d say Frank Shamrock and Wanderlei Silva

What is your favorite technique? My favorite techniques are the guillotine and Kimura, for striking it would be the straight right

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means everything. I’ve been working so hard the last six years to get back and I finally did it. It was almost disbelief when I got the call from Joe Silva.

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

What was your job before you started fighting? Construction