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CALGARY, CANADA - JULY 20: Anton Kuivanen makes weight at the UFC 149 weigh-in at the Scotiabank Saddledome on July 20, 2012 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Anton Kuivanen

TRAINING: Strength and conditioning, drilling techniques, sparring.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I’ve always done lots of different sports. As a youngster I played ice hockey and soccer on a high level. I got bored with that, and started boxing 2003. I went to the practice and enjoyed it a lot. Then in 2004 I went to watch an MMA event, and watching the fights I felt that I gotta try that sport. Shortly after that I had my first MMA training session at a nearby gym and fell in love with it immediately. I’ve been training and fighting since.

What ranks and titles have you held? MMA amateur Finnish champion 2006, Cage Promotions lightweight champion since April 2011.

Do you have any heroes? My girlfriend

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It's a long time dream come true, and an opportunity for me to test myself against the best guys.

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

What was your job before you started fighting? I've had many part time jobs; my last job before becoming a pro was an operator in a laser tag track.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 8-0 record with 4 KOs

Favorite grappling technique: Flying armbar

Favorite Striking technique: Liver shot