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LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 5: Patrick Cote attends a pre-fight news conference before the UFC 148 Open Workouts inside XS nightclub at the Encore on July 5, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Claude Patrick

TRAINING: Training wise, this time I have traveled to South Florida and based my training camp out of the Team Jaco training centre with the Blackzilians, in addition to my other friends and training partners out here, so I feel very ready. Physically I have never been stronger, and to have coaches and training partners so knowledgeable and well traveled in the world of combat sports can only help. In terms of training, it’s all left in the hands of the coaches, with the head coach being UFC vet Mike Van Arsdale. There is a general schedule, but when something needs doing it gets done, even if not listed on the board for that specific day. I put a lot into this fight, starting camp 14 weeks out at home with all the guys at Elite Training Centre in Toronto, so I’m looking to bring a lot of new skills to the Octagon December 10 at UFC 140. But like a wise man once said, "don’t sing it, bring it!!"

When and why did you start training for fighting? I have always been interested in combat, but started my formal training in 1997

What ranks and titles have you held? I have competed in various martial arts competitions, winning more often than losing. Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Do you have any heroes? Everyone willing to do what they know is right even when the easy way produces much faster results.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC is the best way for me to test what I train and get real results from those theories. Unlike a lot of martial artists, I am a big believer in "show and prove", and with the UFC being the sport’s ultimate proving ground, I’m honored to be among the competitors.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I attended a few post secondary schools including community college and Devry, both studying computers and logistics

What was your job before you started fighting? I think I’ve worked in just about every job capacity except the food service/restaurant industry

Favorite grappling technique: sweeps/inversions

Favorite Striking technique: footwork and angles