Jessin Ayari

TRAINING: As usual, I did my strength and conditioning training with my coach Tasso at Power Athletics in the morning. In the evening I alternated between boxing training at West End with my head coach Elvir Selimovic, MMA sparring at Hammers Team, BJJ at Fight Gym Nuremberg with black belt Flo Müller and wrestling at Johannis Grizzlys. Since we don't have the luxury to have all the best training under one roof, I seek out the best experts in their field for optimal preparation.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I was frustrated because my teammates on the football pitch would not give as much as I did, so I started boxing at age fifteen.

What ranks and titles have you held? #2 ranked welterweight in Germany

Do you have any heroes? Gennady Golovkin, Yoel Romero, Georges St-Pierre

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I’ve dreamt about it for all my life. I’m so happy this dream is now finally coming true.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I finished comprehensive school and completed an apprenticeship as an automotive mechatronics engineer afterwards.

What was your job before you started fighting? I started fighting at age seventeen, so pretty much right after I was done with my job training.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Bavarian Combat Sambo Champion

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Superior FC Welterweight Champion

Ranks in any martial arts styles: BJJ purple belt under Dean Lister (Fabio Santos)

Favorite grappling technique: All variations of chokes.

Favorite Striking technique: Jab