Getty Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image or clip. If you violate our intellectual property you may be liable for: actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image or clip, and, where appropriate, the costs of collection and/or statutory damages up to $150,000 (USD).

Brandon Davis

TRAINING: Meet up with the team at 10am. Go over wrestling and cage work with some live sparring as well. 12pm I teach

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training at age 20 while at Mississippi State University. I started because after finishing football, I didn’t want to just go home and lift weights and do nothing else. I love to compete. I found a jiu-jitsu club at MSU and that’s where it all began.

What ranks and titles have you held? Three-stripe purple belt in jiu-jitsu and a brown belt in Muay Thai under Alan Belcher and Roufusport

Do you have any heroes? My grandpa was always my favorite person and hero. He taught me what it was like to be a man and how to be tough. He passed away from cancer in 2011.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It has been a dream on mine ever since I began fighting in 2010. I work with and coach people that are in the UFC and have seen more than a few of the fighters train and compete and I know that I am more than capable of competing with and beating them. I want fighting to be my life. I work at the gym now, but I want to be able to support myself off the money I make while showing the world how great I know I can be. Fighting on the local circuits, teaching classes and coaching pays the bills, but I want to do something that my son can be proud of as he grows up.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I earned my Athletic Training degree (Associates) from Itawamba Community College in MS. I also went to Mississippi State University, where I was earning my degree in Biological Sciences.

What was your job before you started fighting? My first job was with Abercrombie & Fitch as a model (front of the store). I was a personal trainer at the gym at Itawamba Community College. I worked landscaping for five years while lifting weights at 3:30 in the morning and having to be at work at 5am until 4:30pm and then going straight to the gym until 9 to train everyday. My last job before starting at Alan Belcher MMA Club was as a regional manager for a pulmonary company for two years.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? V3 lightweight champion, SFC lightweight champion

Favorite grappling technique: Calf slicer

Favorite Striking technique: Spinning back kick