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FAIRFAX, VA - MAY 14: (L-R) Bantamweight opponents Jeff Curran and Johnny Eduardo face off after weighing in during the UFC on Fuel TV official weigh in at Patriot Center on May 14, 2012 in Fairfax, Virginia. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Jeff Curran

TRAINING: My harder days begin with a Strength/Conditioning focus, which usually is speed/agility, power or endurance training. I run 60 minutes each day for cardio. Sometimes hard, sometimes slow pace depending. I spend a couple hours grappling in the afternoon, be it wrestling/BJJ or whatever the focus is on for the day. Hard sparring at night, and on days I don't spar I do my striking on pads with my boxing coach, Doug Mango.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in Jiu-Jitsu back in 1992. At that point I was simply interested in learning more about the art. Then the UFC hit and I was hooked. I never thought MMA would be this exposed to the world or had the potential to grow this large, but I took the chance and stuck with it. I love the walk to the cage, I love the preparation and the discipline that goes with being a fighter.

What ranks and titles have you held? I hold the Shooto America’s division title, I am the Apex Fighting Champion in Canada, and I hold a Regional title for Super Brawl (ICON). I also have a title in the local shooto promotion, Ironheart Crown, Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Pedro Sauer.

Do you have any heroes? My father is a hero of mine. He passed away when I was 18 and he was just 40 years old. He was my support system, he stayed happy til the end. He showed me what will power is all about when it comes to survival.

What is your favorite technique? Rear Choke

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It was always a dream of mine to be a fighter and to fight for the UFC. That dream happened a long time ago. This time through I plan to make it my reality instead. If you are dreaming, you are sleeping. It's time to wake up and live it out! I am pumped.

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

What was your job before you started fighting? My family still owns and operates one of the area’s most successful Floor Covering stores. I used to be a carpet installer and ran my own company right out of high school. I hated the job, but I was good at it.