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Welterweight opponents Kris McCray (L) and Carlos Eduardo Rocha (R) face off as UFC President Dana White looks on at the UFC 122 weigh-in at the Kšnig Pilsener Arena on November 12, 2010 in Oberhausen, Germany. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Kris McCray

TRAINING: I’m covering all the bases. Strength and conditioning, wrestling, sparring and then I finish with a slower conditioning strength workout.

Thoughts on opponent, John Hathaway? I think he’s tough, he sets a really good pace, but I think I match up well with him.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training martial arts at a young age on and off. Wrestled in High School and later taught High School wrestling. I started training BJJ and MMA in 2006. I was at a crossroads in my life and MMA was the perfect fit for me. I always say “MMA was made for me and I was built for it.”

What ranks and titles have you held? Professional: Ranked #1 Middleweight UWC – Ultimate Warrior Challenge. Amateur: Ruckus in the Cage World Champ, Operation Octagon World Champ, Battle FC World Champ.

Do you have any heroes? My father and family for all they have taught me and supported me. The biggest heroes are the men and women of the armed forces who are away from their families and put their lives on the line so we can enjoy freedom.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? To live my dream, and get a chance to prove I am one of the best in the world. Being at the top of the food chain where a SAVAGE should and needs to be.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? NOVA College, Associates Degree in General Studies.

What was your job before you started fighting? US Army Reserves, Butcher, Movie Theater, Bouncer, Coastal International security guard, truck driver, and anything to make ends meet.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? World champ of all amateur shows I fought in.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? 5 first round victories; 4 finishes under 1 minute

Ranks in any martial arts styles: None

Favorite grappling technique: Cop Knee, Body Slam, Up Slam, Slam-Jitsu

Favorite Striking technique: Knees Elbows, and Punches