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David Terrell

TRAINER: Day to day is my Nor Cal Fighting Alliance, in Santa Rosa. A few days each month I go to Fairtex gym in San Francisco, or to Cesar Gracie’s school in Concord and roll with those guys (Diaz brothers, Jake Shields, etc.)

TRAINING: Every morning involves some heavy cardio with lots of running. I am blessed with some kick-ass hills near my school, and my coaches like to try and get me to puke running up them. In the afternoon/evening, there is lots of mat work, boxing, and Muay Thai, usually 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training for fighting when I was 19. I saw the UFC and wanted to learn more about jiu-jitsu. I like to compete and think that this type of fighting is the highest level of competition so here I am.

Accomplishments in amateur competition? Won a few BJJ tournaments, and had a pretty good record in high school wrestling.

Accomplishments in pro competition? 2000 IFC Light Heavyweight Champion. 2002 Grapplers’ Quest Absolute Champion. Only two losses in MMA, and didn’t give up a point in Abu Dhabi competition.
Ranks in any martial arts styles: Black Belt in BJJ under Cesar Gracie

Favorite grappling technique: Any technique that makes my opponent tap.

Favorite Striking technique: Muay Thai

Do you have any heroes? Rickson Gracie.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It's what I've wanted for a long time. The UFC is where it all began and it's a great honor to be here.

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

What was your job before you started fighting? Teaching martial arts.