photo 1 of 35 LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 5: Daniel Spohn weighs in during the TUF 19 Finale weigh-in inside the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on July 5, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.(Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
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Daniel SpohnTRAINING: 3rd Degree black belt in traditional Kachido Aikijitsu, I use the secret Iron-Body Gung-Fu system daily, I also trained extensively in jiu-jitsu by Professor Jorge Gurgel of JGMMA and Vitor Oliviera of Ronin Training Center
When and why did you start training for fighting? I'm a martial artist first and foremost; I just tried fighting at the suggestion of my friend Joe McCall. I KOd my first opponent (went in with no MMA training) and the rest is history. What ranks and titles have you held? Former NAAFS 205-pound World Champ Do you have any heroes? My Mom is my hero. She raised me and my brothers pretty much on her own, and has always been there for us. I can say 100% I wouldn't be in the UFC today if not for her love and support. What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? This is my dream come true. YEARS of sacrifice and hard work are coming together, finally. This is no accident. I have worked for this, never wavering in my goal since the beginning. Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Attended college for criminal justice but no degree completed. Currently aspiring to be a firefighter and in the midst of the testing process. What was your job before you started fighting? Correctional Officer Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? I had a lengthy amateur career, giving me an edge experience-wise. Ranks in any martial arts styles: San-Dan (3rd degree black belt) in Kachido Aikijitsu. This means more to me than any MMA belt and it made me the fighter I am today. Favorite grappling technique: Armbar Favorite striking technique: KO
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