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LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 31: Daron Cruickshank makes 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 *** Daron Cruickshank

Daron Cruickshank

TRAINING: A typical training day for me looks a bit like this: Morning run. Mitt work and drill with my father, Dean Cruickshank. Then head back to Michigan Top Team for pro practice. Depending on the day, I focus on different parts of the game.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I’ve been doing martial arts ever since I could walk. My mom was a professional kickboxer and my dad’s a mixed martial artist with a black belt in basically everything you can talk about. I’ve been around the game my whole life.

What ranks and titles have you held? 8-1 as an amateur, and I held the XCC title and TXC title in Michigan. As a professional, I hold the Ringside world title.

Do you have any heroes? My parents

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means a future for me. It’s a career and prosperity

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Olivet College. Bachelors degree in Fitness Management