DaMarques Johnson

TRAINING: My typical day starts at 9 in the morning with boxing or wrestling and wraps up around 11. Then at 2 it’s off for strength and conditioning that usually ends around 3, where it’s back for the fighter class at 3:30 which concludes at about 5.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I began training jiu-jitsu in 2001 after watching fights in my barracks room in the military, and once I got out the military I started fighting in April of 2005, mostly because I had competed in a lot of grappling tourneys and did fairly well. Then I met up with Jeremy Horn, watched a friend fight, and then started training. Five months later I took my first fight.

What ranks and titles have you held? Not super big on ranks or belt. I’m the 170 lb THROWDOWN Champion of Utah, I was ranked as a blue belt under Carlos Machado in 2002 but haven’t really competed in Brazilian jiu-jitsu since getting a blue belt, However I have been wrestling and submission wrestling under Jeremy Horn since 2004.

Do you have any heroes? My heroes are all those that have helped me accomplish all the things that I have set my mind to. All my close friends and family.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means everything to me to be able to compete in the UFC. I feel like the little kid that is slowly starting to realize his dream.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I enlisted in the military straight out of high school as opposed to the college route.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was working in the Utah National Guard with the 19th Special Forces Group as an intel analyst.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? I never competed in amateur fights. I didn’t know there was such a thing till I was already a pro. Basically I jumped right in the deep end.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? 1st would be winning my first belt; 2nd would be being selected to compete on The Ultimate Fighter

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Carlos Machado.

Favorite grappling technique: Whatever wins a fight or grappling match!

Favorite Striking technique: Whatever puts a hurt on my opponent, but liver shots are always good.