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LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 24: (L-R) Opponents Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone and Karl "K.J." Noons face off during the UFC 160 weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 24, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jim Kemper/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

KJ Noons

TRAINING: Conditioning in the mornings and afternoon sparring or drilling.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I come from family of fighting, and my father was a fighter. I was put in martial arts as a kid, and competed all throughout high school in boxing and kickboxing. I turned pro at 18, and then MMA became big years later and I got into that.

What ranks and titles have you held? Lightweight Elite XC World Title

Do you have any heroes? My mom.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means fighting on the biggest stage and platform for fighting. I'm very excited.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No

What was your job before you started fighting? Kmart

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? ISKA International Title, San Shou Title, Semifinals of western Olympic trials in boxing.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate. 12-2 Pro Boxing Record, 13-1 Pro Kickboxing / Muay Thai record.

Favorite grappling technique: Triangle

Favorite Striking technique: Jab