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STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - APRIL 03: Ryan Couture of USA conducts an open training session at the Grand Hotel on April 3, 2013 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

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When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training Jiu-Jitsu in 2006 as a hobby and to stay in shape. Through that, I ended up picking up Muay Thai and MMA training, which started me down the path toward being a competitive fighter.

What ranks and titles have you held? None

Do you have any heroes? Aside from the obvious choice, my dad, I really look up to all of my teammates who have supported me and helped me to become the fighter that I am today.

What does it mean for you to fight in STRIKEFORCE? To be able to compete in Strikeforce and make a living doing something that I love means the world to me. I'm incredibly thankful to have this opportunity.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Math.

What was your job before you started fighting? Before I took up MMA, I was working as an Operations Supervisor for Washington Mutual Bank.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Purple belt under Neil Melanson, head grappling instructor at Xtreme Couture.

Favorite grappling technique: Triangle choke

Favorite Striking technique: Outside low kick

What do you consider to be the key fight in your career, and why? The key fight in my career thus far was my final amateur bout vs. Sean Bollinger at Tuff-N-Uff. Despite the fact that it ended in a draw, that fight was an all-out war against a very dangerous opponent and served as the measure I needed to feel confident that I was ready to turn pro.