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ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - JUNE 21: (L-R) Lightweight opponents Ramsey Nijem and C.J. Keith face off during the UFC on FX official weigh in at Revel Casino on June 21, 2012 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

C.J. Keith

TRAINING: Wake up and run, strength and conditioning, lunch, rolling, Muay Thai class, concluding with more pad work

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in July of '07 because I got asked to start fighting and no one thought I was going to take it seriously, so I wanted to challenge them. I took my first fight and got a win. During that time, I really enjoyed everyone around me: the fans, the gyms and everyone involved in MMA. My first training was actually wrestling in high school, followed by military hand-to-hand combat, and after that, I started training in MMA to fight.

What ranks and titles have you held? None

Do you have any heroes? Bravo 3/89CAV; everyone at the unit who served with me in the United States Army

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Since my first fight five years ago, I realized that this was my passion. Fighting in the UFC for me is like reaching the highest ranks. I’m going forward 100% and I want to make my experience last a lifetime.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Served directly in the United States Army from high school.

What was your job before you started fighting? My job was in the United States Army and my responsibilities were whatever was in the best interest of the United States Army.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Top ranked hand-to-hand combat soldier in Echo 213 Company

Favorite grappling technique: Power double leg

Favorite Striking technique: Jab