TRAINING: There is no typical day. I train 6 days a week and every day is hard and intense. I have been kickboxing a lot more to prepare myself for this fight though.


When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training seriously twelve years ago. I trained traditional martial arts before, but really found interest in the realistic aspects of mixed martial arts.

What ranks and titles have you held? I was the WEC world lightweight title holder. I hold the rank of black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Rodrigo Mederios. I am the current TPF lightweight world champion

Do you have any heroes? In fighting? No. But I respect every fighter that puts it on the line and fights with emotion.

What is your favorite technique? Whatever ends the fight.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s what every fighter wants to attain. It’s another hurdle, and it means I have to bring 100% of my ability into this fight. This is my time to come back and show the fighter that I am. I’m grateful for the chance to come back and do it right.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to college, but I didn’t finish my degree. I ended up getting so involved in training that school had to take a backseat.

What was your job before you started fighting? I taught at the Claremont Colleges and did consulting for a health and fitness firm.