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).

Mike Budnik

When and why did you start training for fighting? Aside from wrestling as a kid, I started training Jiu-Jitsu a few years back in Chattanooga, TN. I was mainly interested in the self-defense aspect of it. I have two young daughters, Bianca 3 and Brea 1, so my number one goal was to be able to defend them if anything were to happen. Unlike most sport jiu-jitsu schools, we spent a lot of time dealing with real life situations such as being attacked by knife or gun. After a year or so, some of the guys I knew were moving into the MMA game and asked if I would help them train. I realized through their training that I was giving them a harder time than most of their opponents at much higher weights, so I decided to give it a try. Now I train at Triton CCSD in Tulsa, OK under Piet Wilhelm, which has helped me grow into the fighter I am today.

What ranks and titles have you held? It has been very hard to get any title fights here in the midwest; however, I have had 10 fights (7 as a pro) and have yet to lose, defeating two title holders in non-title fights along the way. I was also ranked the #1 all-round rollerblader in the world for 6 out of the 10 years I skated. I have 2 gold medals, 4 silver medals, and 3 bronze medals from the ESPN X-Games Series. I was a member of the gold medal winning USA Global X-Games. I also won the bronze medal in the NBC Gravity Games. I was named skater of the year in 2002 by the ASA. I have also been featured in magazines such as ESPN the Magazine, Men's Health, Men's Journal, and was voted one of the "Ten Hottest Men in Sports" by Women's Sports Illustrated in 2001.

Do you have any heroes? It wasn’t until I was a father that I had any idea what I must have put my mom through!!! So she will always be my hero.

What is your favorite technique? Any and all chokes.

What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC? It is a dream come true. I love what they have done for the promotion of the lighter weights. I think it is the most exciting fighting out there.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? After high school I went to a number of schools, but I followed my dreams of being a professional skater out to California.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was and still am the Director of Operations / General Manager of the Platinum Fitness Center in Tulsa, OK.

Mike Budnik

More on UFC