Close Thumbnails

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).

photo 1 of 5

ANAHEIM, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Neil Magny weighs in during the UFC 157 weigh-in at Honda Center on February 22, 2013 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Neil Magny

TRAINING: On a typical day of training I usually wake around 8am, have breakfast, then head out for my first workout at 10am. After that it’s back home to eat and rest until my next workout at 2pm. After my 2pm workout it’s back home to eat and rest again before I have my final workout at 6pm.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training for MMA when I was 17 years old. I walked into Miguel Torres's gym and saw those guys training and I knew that it was what I wanted to do. I started off by taking a couple of BJJ classes and then I eventually started taking kickboxing classes also. While I was deployed overseas I met some guys who trained kickboxing, BJJ and MMA. We would meet up after duty and train with each other every day.

What ranks and titles have you held? I'm a Purple Belt in BJJ under Miguel Torres and Andre Leite. I was All Army Combatives Champion and the All Guard Combatives Champion.

Do you have any heroes? Outside of MMA my heroes are my grandmother and mother. These women taught the values of hard work and sacrifice. In MMA, my heroes are Nate Marquardt, Matt Hughes and Miguel Torres

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? For me, fighting in the UFC is a dream come true. I trained for over seven years and dreamed of this moment for as long as I can remember.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Yes. I went to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and got a BA in Criminal Justice.

What was your job before you started fighting? I spent seven years in the Army and was a student when I began fighting

Favorite grappling technique: Triangle chokes

Favorite Striking technique: Jab