TRAINING: Every day is different. I am training hard and working on every area of MMA. I will be ready to win this fight anywhere.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in MMA when I was 18. Growing up I always played sports and was good at them but never felt like I truly wanted to do any of them for the rest of my life. I started with wrestling and grappling and then MMA, and immediately knew it was what I wanted to do.

What ranks and titles have you held? I hold the Australian Nitro MMA Lightweight title.

Do you have any heroes? Gilbert Melendez is the fighter I most look up to.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means everything. It has been my dream for a long time and I worked very hard to get here and will not let it go to waste.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to University and studied Human Movement Studies, however I have not finished. I have only six months left on my degree, but I’m not sure when I will finish it now.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was a student and packed shelves part-time at a grocery store.

Favorite grappling technique: Kimura

Favorite striking technique: Uppercut

•    Pro since 2010

•    Team Australia on TUF: The Smashes

•    Two wins by submission, five by decision

•    One first round finish

•    Has won three of his last five