Training: I wake up around 8am, drink a shake and get to the gym around 9am for strength and conditioning.  After that I usually do pad work with my kickboxing coach.  I head home around 12 eat a meal, take a nap and back to the gym at 4pm for sparring.  Home for dinner and sometimes I’ll go to a gym late to sit in the sauna and / or steam room to stretch.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started learning the submission game in 2003. I wrestled all four years in high school and one year in Junior College. The more I learned, the more I wanted to train and keep learning. I started learning Muay Thai and boxing, one thing led to another, and I started fighting in MMA in 2004.

What ranks and titles have you held? Gladiator Challenge Bantamweight Title

Do you have any heroes? My mom

What is your favorite technique? Putting people to sleep with my hands.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It is an honor to compete in the UFC. It validates all hard work and all the hours in the gym. The UFC provides an opportunity to compete against the best level of competition.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? One year of junior college.

What was your job before you started fighting? Construction worker