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STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - APRIL 03: Ryan Couture of USA conducts an open training session at the Grand Hotel on April 3, 2013 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Ryan Couture

TRAINING: Training for this fight hasn't been much different than for the last two. In the morning I either do S&C or work on striking or grappling technique and game planning. In the evening I come back for hard sparring and live wrestling and grappling.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training Jiu-Jitsu in 2006 as a hobby and to stay in shape. Through that, I ended up picking up Muay Thai and MMA training, which started me down the path toward being a competitive fighter.

What ranks and titles have you held? None

Do you have any heroes? Aside from the obvious choice, my dad, I really look up to all of my teammates who have supported me and helped me to become the fighter that I am today.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC means an opportunity to test myself against the best in the world on the biggest stage the sport has to offer. I'm excited to make the most of it and see how far I can progress in my career.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Math.

What was your job before you started fighting? Before I took up MMA, I was working as an Operations Supervisor for Washington Mutual Bank.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Purple belt under Neil Melanson, head grappling instructor at Xtreme Couture.

Favorite grappling technique: Triangle choke

Favorite Striking technique: Outside low kick