TUF Bio

Training: Early morning strength and conditioning, wrestling / jiu-jitsu soon follows, then afternoon stand up and sparring practices. Come late night I'm definitely ready for a good night’s sleep. I train with a great bunch of guys and we push it hard every day. I've also watched a ton of film on Ryan; I've never met him, but I feel like I know the guy so well. Come May 29th I'm gonna be ready.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started fighting in 2005. I had been wrestling up until that point and fighting was much more exciting to me and I loved the challenge. I automatically became obsessed with it and that has led me to where I am
today.

What ranks and titles have you held? I was a two-time All State wrestler in Arizona and a junior college NJCAA All-American. Also, pan American jiu-jitsu champ, and Jiu-jitsu national champ.

Do you have any heroes? My parents are my heroes. They support me no matter what I do, and I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.

What is your favorite technique? Standing and bangin’ anything that gets me the win but is exciting to watch.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s a great honor and privilege for me to be back fighting in the UFC. I had very limited experience when I was on TUF. During the years since TUF I’ve been training hard to become a well rounded, tough fighter. I’m absolutely thrilled to be fighting for the UFC and want to go out and give the fans what they paid to see, great fights.

Did you go to college and if so, what degree did you earn? I went to college for a few years, however I never finished. I was pursuing a degree in communications before I stopped. I could never really find anything I was interested in and wanted to pursue. So hey, why not a pro fighting career.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was a full-time student and athlete; I had little jobs here and there between wrestling seasons working for a local landscaping company. Since TUF I’ve been fortunate enough to have sponsors that have paid my way and made it possible for me to train full time and give this sport my all.