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Derek Downey

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in MMA in the fall of 2001 and haven't looked back. I started BJJ as a hobby and took to it like a fish to water. It just made sense to me. So, after competing in some grappling tournaments and winning advanced divisions, I was asked to start sparring with up and comers in the area. After a while I began to beat the guys I was sparring with, and someone asked me to fight. From then on, I have been considered one of the top fighters in the state of Utah.

What ranks and titles have you held? Aggro Grappling Absolute Champion 2x - Defeated World Champion Eduardo Telles, and Walter Vital in these tournaments. UCE Light Heavy Champion, UCE Middleweight Champion, UCE Welterweight Champion, 2006 Middleweight State Sanctioned Unified Champion, Current Throwdown Elite Middleweight Champion.

Do you have any heroes? My father is my biggest hero. He taught me that hard work beats talent when the talented don't work. And I try to live by that in everything I do. I know if I am prepared, I can't be beat. I have God given abilities to take and give lots of punishment, and while it’s not the gameplan to wear any punches, I know I can be taken into deep water and overcome, because that is how I was brought up. My dad taught me to prepare like a winner, and let everything else sort itself out. For that, he is my hero

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? The UFC is the pinnacle of MMA; once I made the commitment to turn pro I made it a goal to reach the UFC. I do not want to merely be remembered as a guy who competed in a few UFCs I want to get myself in a position to fight for the UFC World Title.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to BYU (Brigham Young University) and earned my degree in Philosophy and received minors in Logic and Spanish.

What was your job before you started fighting? Before fighting, I worked in sales and marketing for a mortgage company. I figured I would walk away from a six figure salary to pursue a dream. I can always get into business, but my window to be a world champion will not be open forever. I want to be a world champion more than anything. My goal is to face the toughest fighters in the world on their best days. I want to establish my legacy in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts.

Favorite grappling technique: The one that makes the other guy quit

Favorite Striking technique: The ones that finish fights