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LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 31: (L-R) Opponents Cristiano Marcello and Sam Sicilia face off after making weight during The Ultimate Fighter Live weigh in at the Palms Casino Resort on May 31, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Cristiano Marcello; Sam Sicilia

Cristiano Marcello

When and why did you start training for fighting? I debuted in 1997 with no gloves. I started training jiu-jitsu in 1989 and I got my black belt in 1999.

What ranks and titles have you held? Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Royler and Rickson Gracie, Nitrix champion in MMA, second place and third place finishes in the world championships, and five state championships in jiu-jitsu.

Do you have any heroes? Everyone has something to show me that I can learn, and those are the people I want to see, but I don’t have any idols.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s everything. I fought in the best events in the world, I fought in PRIDE, and being in the UFC, it’s the place I want to be and I want to open the gates for my students in Brazil. That’s my goal.

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

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked with models

Favorite grappling technique: Triangle armbar

Favorite Striking technique: Overhand