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BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL - JUNE 22: Yuri Alcantara makes weight during the UFC 147 weigh in at Estadio Jornalista Felipe Drummond on June 22, 2012 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Yuri Alcantara

TRAINING: We have been prioritizing defending takedowns since he comes from a judo background. It is very tiring, but we are getting to the peak of training. During the afternoon, we have been doing physical preparation, with an emphasis on endurance training in order to maintain high energy levels throughout the fight. We have carefully planned my diet as well so I won't have any trouble losing the remaining weight the week of the event.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started fighting in 2000 for the culture of my people. Fighting marajoara is a tradition; the older teach the younger.

What ranks and titles have you held? Regional champion in Jiu-Jitsu (Black Belt) 5 times state champion in Muay Thai. Holder of many regional event titles. BJJ Black belt

Do you have any heroes? My mother

What is your favorite technique? Marajoara Fight (the traditional fighting style of my land, so I am called Yuri Marajó)

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means that my dreams have come true

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

What was your job before you started fighting? Brazilian Military Force Aeria