TRAINING: Eat, sleep, train.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training on the mean streets of Swansea, Massachusetts during my formative years. After moving to Ft. Myers, FL I began to wrestle while attending Estero High School. I continued wrestling at the University of Central Florida, and took my first BJJ classes at JBA Jiu-Jitsu in Fall River, MA while home visiting family. After getting tapped out by leg-lock master extraordinaire Don Banville, I was hooked (literally....heel hooked)!

What titles have you held? 3x National Collegiate Wrestling Association National Champion. Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Tim Burrill

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means that all the hard work I have put in at the gyms, destroying my body is worth it in the long run. It also means that the amount of people watching TV around the world will sky-rocket due to my beauty.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I currently have a B.S. in Social Studies Education from the University of Central Florida. I have also taken classes towards a M.A. in Sports & Fitness, but I'm not sure if I will finish because I am already a master of fitness.

What was your job before you started fighting? Before I began fighting I applied my trade as an independent professional wrestler, and then used my college degree as a High School History teacher for almost 2 years.

Favorite grappling technique: It's all about the D'Arce Choke!

Favorite Striking technique: Left straight to the body
 

•    Win over Dollaway was UFC 100’s submission of the night.

•    Fight with Simpson was Fight of the Night

•    Faced future WEC title challenger Ariel Gandulla in his first pro fight (no contest)

•    Three wins by KO / TKO, four by submission.

•    Only loss before Simpson fight came via DQ to future TUF8 castmate Shane Primm (illegal knee strike by Lawlor).