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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 20: Featherweight fighters Marcus Brimage and Maximo Blanco square off 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)

Maximo Blanco

TRAINING: It all depends on which day, but usually running or cardio work in the morning, then sparring in the evening.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I was a national wrestling champion of Venezuela and I was recruited by Sendai Ikuei High School in Japan. Ikuei is known for a wrestling powerhouse in Japan.

What ranks and titles have you held? PRO MMA: King of Pancrase (155 lbs)
Amateur Wrestling: (freestyle); 2005 All Japan University Wrestling Championship Under 74 kg Winner; 2005 Prime Minister Cup - National Wrestling Championship Under 74 kg Winner; 2005 All Japan University Wresting Championship - Winner / team competition

Do you have any heroes? Diego Sanchez, BJ Penn

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I attended Japan University商学部

What was your job before you started fighting? I never had a job. I always had sponsors that supported my living.

Favorite grappling technique: Armlock (kimura)

Favorite striking technique: Superman punch