When and why did you start training for fighting? After retiring from judo, I felt like I had something left to do in the world of martial arts. And in MMA, I thought I could achieve something I couldn't achieve in judo.

What ranks and titles have you held? Won National Judo Corporate Team Championship in 2002.

Do you have any heroes? No one in particular but all the warriors who came to test their skill in the Octagon, I respect every single one of them.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the Major League. I feel this is an opportunity for me to taste the American dream.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I graduated from Tokyo Gakugei University. Majored in Physical Education

What was your job before you started fighting? PE teacher at Seijo High School in Tokyo, Japan.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Member of the national judo team in 2002. Triple crown winner in national high school judo (Individual in his weight class, open-weight division, and team competition).

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Won 2007 Cage Force welterweight tournament.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Fourth degree black belt in judo

Favorite grappling technique: kimura

Favorite Striking technique: ground and pound