TRAINING: Early morning run at 5:30 am. Free diving and swimming in the San Diego Bay. Start the day at the gym with strength and conditioning with Bill Crawford, boxing with Tiger Smalls, Muay Thai with Landon Piercy and BJJ/MMA Manolo Hernandez. All day!

When and why did you start training for fighting? It’s been a dream to be a professional athlete.

What ranks and titles have you held? Two time UWC Mexico Bantamweight champion.

Do you have any heroes? My wife Joy! Best fighter I have ever met.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It's a dream come true.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? University of San Diego, no degree yet. I’m studying business.

What was your job before you started fighting? I currently train dolphins for a living.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Fighting in Japan was a very special accomplishment.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Black belt in Mexican Judo

Favorite grappling technique: The dolphin wrangler

Favorite Striking technique: Straight left

•    Member of a US Army Long Range Reconnaissance Company in Afghanistan, where he served a yearlong combat tour.

•    Pro since 2009

•    Three wins by submission, two by knockout

•    Coming off draw with Seiji Akao in June 2011 DEEP bout in Japan