Close Thumbnails

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).

photo 1 of 24

Former WEC Bantamweight Champion Miguel Angel Torres poses for a photo

Miguel Angel Torres

TRAINING: There is no such thing as a typical day of training when I am with my coach and mentor Firas Zahabi. Everything is centered on making me stronger in areas I was weak in, so lots of emphasis is given to wrestling defense and offense as well as strength training and mobility. In two to three sessions a day of varying disciplines, I get to utilize the best Quebec has to offer in training with my teammates at Tri-Star. I’m working with Firas, who not only trains my body my mind, boxing at the Grant boxing club, working with various wrestling coaches, doing Olympic lifting, gymnastics, and above all else, there are no distractions. It can be lonely but the focus is all on my objective.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started martial arts when I was only seven years old. The training was great and I fell in love with the idea of combat and competition. When I turned nine, my parents could not afford the lessons anymore so I was put in soccer by my dad. At fourteen, I started to take kickboxing lessons from a local gym and paid for it with money I made doing landscaping work. Kickboxing gave me a good base for my stand-up but at school when I fought with my friends who wrestled, I never did well when the fight hit the floor. Finally at eighteen, my good friend introduced me to a man who taught Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After that, everything fell into place with my fight career. Paying for college with my fight purses, I made sure that I fought at least four to five times a semester. I graduated and figured out that I made more money teaching and fighting so I decided to make it my life.

What ranks and titles do you have? Former WEC Bantamweight Champion. Black belt in BJJ under Carlson Gracie. Total Fight Challenge, Iron Heart Crown, Shooto Americas 132-pound, Extreme Shootfighting, and Superbrawl Champion. Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Do you have any heroes? Yes, my father, for always being there for me and teaching me the value of hard work and dedication.

What is you favorite technique? I love the art of knocking someone out. If MMA was not around, I would be a pro boxer. On the ground I like the arm triangle, I can set it up from so many different positions.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? For me, being able to fight in the UFC is a lifelong dream. I've watched the UFC since the very first show and to be a part of it now is an honor. I always trained my hardest, but all the experiences I've had in the past, combined with my newfound wisdom and great team will guide me down the right path in my walk with the UFC.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to Purdue University and earned a degree in Marketing.

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked in a hospital as a Radiologist’s assistant for five years. Perfect job for a fighter.