Close Thumbnails

Getty Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image or clip. If you violate our intellectual property you may be liable for: actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image or clip, and, where appropriate, the costs of collection and/or statutory damages up to $150,000 (USD).

photo 1 of 57

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 10: Stephan Bonnar works out for fans and media during an open training session ahead of UFC 153 at Arcos da Lapa: Praca Cardeal Camara on October 10, 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Stephan Bonnar

TRAINING: I wake up, have an ultimate meal (for an ultimate fighter...cheezy I know). Then go to Sergio Penha's...do some grappling technique, & then some rolling. Then put the small gloves on and go in the cage, doing some MMA sparring & pad work. After that, have my recovery drink, shower, then go to my "Punch Buddies" office and get some work done. Then I have a healthy lunch, nap, then head back home. I usually have another ultimate meal. After it settles I go to One Kick’s gym, where I jump rope, do some striking drills, then do some big gloves sparring with takedowns, or some pad work. I follow this with my recovery drink and a shower. Ahhh...then it's time to go home, watch a little TV, have a healthy dinner...then soon it's bed time. This process is repeated for 12 weeks.....fun fun.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I've just always loved fighting sports: Started Wrestling age 10. Started Tae Kwon Do age 12. Started Jiu-jitsu age 20. Started boxing and Muay Thai age 24.

What ranks and titles have you held? Ironheart Crown light heavyweight champ/Total Fight challenge light heavyweight champ / 2002 and 2004 Chicago Golden Gloves Super Heavyweight Champ

Do you have any heroes? Arnold, Bruce Lee, Aaron Pryor, Hugh Hefner.

What is your favorite technique? The punch to the face.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I’m doing something I never dreamed possible.

What was your job before you started fighting? Personal Trainer/Student. Recently, my best friend and I, Tom Scully, founded a company called N Guage with the help of artist Joe Morris. Scully wanted to hang something on his wall to commemorate my fight with Forrest, but nothing like that existed. So Joe Morris helped us create the American Classic piece. We realized the potential of making art pieces for classic fights, top fighters and events.