TRAINING: A typical day of training includes strength and conditioning in the mornings, 4 or 5 times a week. At night I work my grappling or striking, sometimes both. A few times a week, I try to get a workout in during the afternoon, in between. Every Saturday is sparring day. The whole team comes in and we finish the week by punching each other in the face. Then I have my cheat meal and rest on Sunday, to start all over again on Monday. I usually have my last cheat day and sparring day 2 weeks before the fight.

 When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training because I thought the guys in karate movies were cool.

What ranks and titles have you held? Black belt in BJJ, Freestyle Fighting Championship MW Champion (2004)

Do you have any heroes? My dad

What is your favorite technique? My favorite is whatever wins me the fight.  I seem to be very good at taking a fighter’s back and applying a RNC

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? To me, fighting in the UFC is a landmark in my career.

What was your job before you started fighting? Construction laborer.  I just worked to pay the bills so that I could train at night and fight on weekends.