TRAINING: First thing in the morning I do a three mile run then eat. A few hours later I spar, eat, then later do pad work, jitz, wrestling, then eat.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I really started fighting right when I graduated college, and I turned pro in 2007. I wanted to keep competing.

What ranks and titles have you held? #1 ranked welterweight in the state of OK by OK Fight News

Do you have any heroes? Barack Obama, Braulio Estima and Lyoto Machida

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Everything, I put my life in my training and fighting; now I made it to the UFC and I’m training as hard as ever! 

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Neosho County Community College (A.A.DEGREE) and Bacone College (B.A. DEGREE)

What was your job before you started fighting? DJ / discount sport nutrition

Specific accomplishments in pro and amateur competition? In 2004 I became an All-American in wrestling. In addition, I am a 3 x NAGA Champ 2 x NAGA World finalist, ADCC medalist, GQ medalist, a jiu-jitsu national champ, 2x jiu-jitsu world medalist and jiu-jitsu word finalist. Grappling record 57-14 #1 Ranked welterweight in the state of OK by OK Fight News.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Purple belt in jiu-jitsu under Cesar Gracie

Favorite grappling technique: RNC

Favorite Striking technique: Jab

•    Nine wins by submission (two by sub due to strikes), three by decision

•    Known for his leap into the Octagon before fights

•    Has finished seven of last eight victories

•    Has submitted opponents by kimura, anaconda choke, rear naked choke, and arm triangle

•    Last pre-UFC win (1/16/10) was first round win (sub due to strikes) over UFC vet Anthony Macias

•    Win over Guymon was awarded Submission of the Night honors