Josh Burkman

When and why did you start training for fighting? Josh was a triple-threat athlete at Cottonwood High School in Salt Lake City making all-state in football (running back), baseball (third baseman), and wrestling (171 lb division). He went to play running back for Dixie State College. To pursue his dream of becoming a UFC champion, Josh moved to Oregon to train with Randy Couture and Team Quest. “I had been fighting since adolescence and decided to challenge a real fighter to see if they could beat me since the street fighters were no competition. Since then it has become a lifestyle.”

What ranks and titles have you held? UCE champion, Utah state champion. Anytime I have had a championship fight scheduled I have had better opportunity on another show and decided to move on. The only one I want is the UFC title.”

Do you have any heroes? My dad.

What is your favorite technique? Punching people in the face.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means keeping a promise that I made to someone when I started fighting. I promised Sov Ouk (a local businessman) because he sponsored me in my fighting career and my obligation was to make to the UFC. Sov gave me an opportunity that not many fighters get. The chance to pursue my dream to make it to the UFC without having outside distractions nothing was required from me he just gave me the opportunity and he believed in me.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I earned my associates degree in the field of General education while attending at Dixie State College in St. George UT.

What was your job before you started fighting? College football.