TRAINING: I’ll wake up and go to morning practice (either grappling or cardio). After morning practice I’ll Get a bite to eat. Then it’s some kind of weight or circuit training. After that I’ll usually go home and take a nap. After the nap I’ll get up for the last practice, which is usually sparring or wrestling.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started at an early age. I wrestled when I was in Junior High and High School. After Wrestling I moved on to boxing. I really enjoyed the sport. After boxing I transitioned into MMA. I’ve been hooked on it ever since. I fight because the competitive nature of the sport is something I’ve always enjoyed.

What ranks and titles have you held?  AFC Welterweight champ, and two-time AFC lightweight champ.

Do you have any heroes?  My family

What is your favorite technique?  The Bear Paw.

What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC? I’ve been trying to fight in a big show for over a year now. So it’s very exciting.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn?  I went to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I earned an Associates of Applied Science degree.

What was your job before you started fighting?  I work in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. I run one of the facilities that process the oil.

How has your training changed since coming into the WEC? I’m going to step it up a notch. This is my shot and I want to shine.

What is it like to fight on live TV in the WEC? It’ll be great, all my friends and family from Alaska can tune in.

How have the stakes changed now that you’re with the WEC? There’s a lot more to gain and a lot more to lose.

How has the competition level changed since joining the WEC? Oh it’s definitely stepped up. Before, I was fighting people that were primarily good at one thing. Now I’m fighting guys that are good at everything.