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MONTREAL, CANADA - NOVEMBER 16: Chad Griggs weighs in during the official UFC 154 weigh in at New City Gas on November 16, 2012 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Chad Griggs

TRAINING: I like to continually change my training up, so I really don’t have a set typical day. I like to get at least a morning and evening workout in Mon. thru Sat. Then take Sunday off. I’ll do the sparring, wrestling, grappling, and cardio just like everyone else, along with eating right and rest. There’s no secret that you have to be well-rounded and proficient in every aspect of the game nowadays.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training to fight about eight years ago when I went into a gym where Don Frye was preparing for a fight in Pride. I was a big guy who was a body for Don to beat on and I just kept coming back. I couldn't get enough of it.

What ranks and titles have you held? I held the heavyweight belt for Rage in the Cage, All Powers Combat, Don't Blink Entertainment, and for WFC.

Do you have any heroes? My greatest heroes would be my grandpa and my dad, who taught me to never give up and never give in no matter how tough things get, and to always be able to adapt and overcome.

What does it mean for you to fight in UFC? I'm both honored and excited to be fighting in the UFC. I grew up watching it and nobody can argue that it’s the King of all MMA organizations. I realize a select few make it to this point and now that I have, I need to prove I belong among the greatest fighters in the world.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I did go to college to get both my EMT and my Paramedic certification. I have countless hours of medical training through the Fire Department. As far as degrees go, I think I'm only two core credits away from an associates degree.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was and still am a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic for the Tucson Fire Department. I've been with TFD for ten years now.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? I had one amateur fight. I won by a 13 second KO and moved on to fight professionally.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? I have held four heavyweight titles, each in different organizations. I fought for the IFL and have gone 2-0 under the Strikeforce banner, both by TKO.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Rank of "Awesomeness" in Griggs' Freestyle Fighting.

Favorite grappling technique: head and arm choke

Favorite Striking technique: hit 'em in the head....HARD! Changes even the best fighter's gameplan.