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NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 26: Gian Villante weighs in during the UFC 159 weigh-in event at the Prudential Center on April 26, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Gian Villante

TRAINING: Conditioning in the morning, then sparring, pad work and striking with Keith Trimble at Bellmore Kickboxing, and groundwork with Chris Weidman at Hofstra University or Serra jiu-jitsu.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training roughly two years ago after I had been cut from a couple NFL football teams. I figured I would do a sport where I can control my wins and losses and not have a coach or management tell me I need to do something differently. I know what I put into this is what I will get out of it.

What ranks and titles have you held? I was and I believe currently still am the Ring of Combat Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight champion

Do you have any heroes? Pat Tillman has always been a hero of mine. But I would also extend that to anyone who defends our country in any military branch.

What does it mean for you to fight in STRIKEFORCE? I didn't realize how awesome it would be to me until I actually stepped in there for the first time; the feeling was surreal.