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Samy Schiavo

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started martial arts at the age of six years old. I started training MMA in 1997. I think it's the most evolved way of fighting. I love the way you can stand and clinch and fight on the ground. That's real.

What ranks and titles have you held? Cage Wars lightweight champion

Do you have any heroes? No, having heroes is not good for a fighter. Having fighters who inspire me, yes.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Being a Frenchman in the world of MMA is not an easy thing, I live in a small town in the south of France; no big money, no big gyms, and MMA is not really legalized yet. In the USA top fighters are stars; here, top fighters are poor and have to make a lot of sacrifices. So being in the UFC is a good thing for me, it's really a dream for me. That's why win or lose in the UFC, I have already won as far as I'm concerned.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I have a degree in office management.

What was your job before you started fighting? Teaching martial arts

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? I did some amateur fights before turning pro (amateur pancrase, lutte contact, combat complete, etc) I'm about 7-0-1 as an amateur, I was also French kickboxing champion, and Tae Kwon Do international fighter.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: I m a 3rd dan black belt in Tae Kwon Do, black belt in contact wrestling ( king of judo/wrestling/boxing style), brown belt in judo/jiu-jitsu.