photo 1 of 33 SAITAMA, JAPAN - FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Lightweight opponents Takanori Gomi and Eiji Mitsuoka face off after weighing in during the official UFC 144 weigh in at the Saitama Super Arena on February 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Takanori Gomi; Eiji Mitsuoka
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Eiji MitsuokaTRAINING: Training at the gym, boxing and physical conditioning
When and why did you start training for fighting? I began training MMA about 12 years ago. I did it because I just liked MMA, so it was a natural transition (from wrestling) for me. What ranks and titles have you held? Not many fans in the States may know about this, but I am actually the winner of the “PRE-PRIDE" tournament held by PRIDE. Do you have any heroes? My parents. What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? UFC is the place where I can show everything I learned in my career. It’s the best stage to fight in the world. Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Yes I did, and I was a business management major, but I must say honestly here, I spent the majority of my university years on the mat instead of in the class room :) What was your job before you started fighting? I worked as sales staff at the sports goods store. I was specializing in fight sport products. Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Nothing in particular. I was a wrestler in high school and university. That is why, in my amateur MMA bouts, I just went for a takedown and didn't even strike. Favorite grappling technique: Everything. Favorite Striking technique: Right hook.
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