Who is Robert Valentin? Taking a closer look at the first middleweight semifinalist of TUF 32

Robert Valentin is Europe's latest attempt at leaving its mark in the UFC middleweight division. The German-born 185-pounder is currently taking part in 'The Ultimate Fighter 32', where he is now a semifinalist. Fighting out of Zurich, Switzerland, he is aiming to win it all.

He currently boasts a professional record of 10 wins, three losses, and one no-contest but has not fought in a major promotion yet. Though at 29 years old, the opportunity may have finally come his way. Under the guidance of UFC women's flyweight champion Alex Grasso, he believes he will end the season as its victor.

His confidence is blind, however. Valentin is backed by the strength of his recent performance on episode two of TUF 32, where he knocked out Giannis Bachar within 18 seconds to advance to the middleweight semifinals, where he faces Roedie Roets following the latter's decision win over Guillermo Torres.

Check out Robert Valentin's first-round knockout of Giannis Bachar:

Despite his lack of renown, the German-born middleweight is not without accomplishments. He has captured 185-pound gold at minor promotions like INNFERNO FC and Aggrelin in the Austrian and German regional scenes. From a stylistic standpoint, Valentin is something of a wild man.

Nine of his 10 wins have come by knockout or submission, and he has only ever won via decision once. This also applies to his losses, as he has only ever been beaten by decision once. Valentin often presses the action with the intention of finishing his opponent, regardless of the consequences of such an approach.

Despite being German by birth, Valentin is Swiss, having lived in Switzerland for most of his life. He credits the nation with giving him ample opportunities to succeed, so he carries the Swiss flag with him over Germany's.

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Robert Valentin has a history with Valentina Shevchenko

When flyweight queen Alexa Grasso selected Robert Valentin as her middleweight pick, former 125-pound titleholder Valentina Shevchenko poked fun at the idea that her rival had stolen 'her fighter.' The comment stemmed from Shevchenko's past with Valentin in Phuket, Thailand.

They were both living in Phuket, where Valentin took part in tryouts for Tiger Muay Thai. During this time, he was moved by a speech Shevchenko, a world champion Muay Thai kickboxer, had given to everyone at the tryouts. The pair even trained together before Valentin found his way into 'The Ultimate Fighter 32.'