TRAINING: Pretty much the same as always. Grappling, wrestling, S&C and a ton of striking. I’m also working on something strategically specific for my opponent.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I just love the pressure and I love the feeling of winning over another guy.  When I was 18 I won an amateur tournament and have never looked back. 

What ranks and titles have you held:  I was multiple defending champ for the XFO, an organization that has launched many careers including UFC, PRIDE, WEC and IFL fighters. Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Do you have any heroes? Jeff Curran has been a big brother to me, a mentor and he has shown me everything I know about fighting.  He would have to be my hero.

What is your favorite technique? KO standing, however it happens.  As for the ground, I love the triangle.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It's a dream come true. I’ve been wanting this opportunity and have been working for it for almost 10 years. I'm where I belong in my eyes, the biggest MMA stage in the world.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I graduated High School, but never went on to college.  I was training and fighting full-time when I was still in High School to be honest.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was in High School and there was a work program that I was part of for a Brake Company in our area.  Never planned on doing that full-time though.

•    11 year pro

•    Began career 0-4, but bounced back to win his next eight fights.

•    4-3 in WEC – owns 2009 decision win over the last WEC lightweight champion, Anthony Pettis

•    Longtime IFL vet, going 8-4, with wins over Steve Bruno, Ivan Menjivar, and John Gunderson. Also fought Jim Miller, Chris Horodecki (twice), and Deividas Taurosevicius

•    Has fought Cole Escovedo, Kyle Watson, Clay Guida, and Gesias Cavalcante

•    17 wins by KO, 11 by submission