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SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - JANUARY 18: Ildemar Alcantara weighs in during the UFC on FX official weigh-in event on January 18, 2013 at Ibirapuera Gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Ildemar Alcantara

TRAINING: My days, regardless of fights scheduled, are just training, beginning at 5am with a run. After going to the gym at 10am, I train jiu-jitsu, boxing, wrestling and Muay Thai standup until 1pm. And in the afternoon at 4pm I do my physical preparation on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Tuesday and Thursday afternoons my training is specific to the fight.

When and why did you start training for fighting? 1999. In the beginning I started it as a passion that has now turned to a job, but still with passion.

What ranks and titles have you held? I’m currently number one in my weight class in Brazil. I have many titles, and the latest is the Jungle Fight belt.

Do you have any heroes? My mom, Maria Thereza

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? A dream come true

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

What was your job before you started fighting? Military of aerospace

Favorite grappling technique: Omoplata

Favorite striking technique: Jab