TRAINING: 6:30am cardio of some sort: swimming, cycling, running. 11am-1pm MMA cardio/ technique workout. 6-8pm MMA workout.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training when I was 15 after going to a local MMA show. My whole life I have been involved in sports, but as soon as I saw my first MMA fight I knew it was my calling. It's the purest form of competition on the planet. The results don't lie; your success and failure falls only on your shoulders and that's why I love it.

What ranks and titles have you held? None

Do you have any heroes? No "heroes." I look up a lot to the Wisniewski brothers. They took me in when I was 15 and played a major role in turning me into the man I am today. I can't even imagine where life would have taken me had the two never become part of my life.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting for the UFC is a dream come true. Every night since I was a 15-year-old kid, the first thing I thought about when I woke up and the last thing I thought about before going to bed was getting my shot against the elite in the UFC. It's so surreal that it's finally happening. A dream come true is the best way I can think of describing it.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I did not. I knew I wanted to be a fighter since high school and I was giving myself no other options. Now that I'm in the UFC I plan on going to school and becoming a physical therapist assistant.

What was your job before you started fighting? I am currently a local 81 union laborer.

Favorite grappling technique: Triangle choke

Favorite striking technique: Left hook followed by a right straight

• Pro since 2007

• Had 2-0-1 amateur record

• Has won five of his last eight

• Holds wins over Shamar Bailey and Micah Miller

• Five wins by submission (2 RNC, guillotine, armbar, undisclosed submission), three by KO

• Eight first round finishes