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MONTREAL, CANADA - NOVEMBER 16: Cyrille Diabate 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)

Cyrille Diabate

TRAINING: 2 sessions a day, training all the different aspects of MMA

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training for combat sports and competing 19 years ago.

What ranks and titles have you held? I have been ranked in the top 5 in all the major kickboxing and Muay Thai rankings. I have been world champion 4 times.

Do you have any heroes? My mother

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It's a big step in my MMA career. A dream come true. Now I have to reach my highest goal.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I studied English here in France.

What was your job before you started fighting? I have been fighting since I was 18!!! But I have had various jobs: bodyguard, bouncer, stuntman, etc

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? A few times French national champ in kickboxing and Muay Thai

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? French national champion in kickboxing / Muay Thai / Shidokan karate. World champ in Shidokan karate / Muay Thai/ Sanda/ cage fighting

Ranks in any martial arts styles: no1 in Shidokan Karate, Shootboxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing

Favorite grappling technique: armbar

Favorite Striking technique: elbow