TRAINING: When in Chicago: Wake up at 7am, do two hours in the am (consisting of technique/S&C/Yoga), come home, eat, walk my dog, meditate, then two hours in the pm (Sparring), come home, eat, stretch/foam roll, read a book, then bed time.When in California: Yoga first thing in the am, two hours in the am (Jiu-Jitsu, sparring), two to three hours in the pm (Jiu-Jitsu, S&C, Cardio and Sauna). In between training is similar except I might get some time with my hubby if his ship is shoreside.

When and why did you start training for fighting? Eleven years old. My Dad was raising me as a single parent. He had to work a lot, and I started getting into trouble. So he found something for me to do after school. My first fight was a few months later. Pankration USA vs Canada.

What ranks and titles have you held? Inaugural XFC Flyweight Champion, Golden Gloves Champion 2008

Do you have any heroes? Beyonce, Serena Williams, Ben Greenfield, GSP

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means the world to me. This is a lifelong dream to be one of the elite athletes in MMA. I have been working very hard for the last 10 years to get here.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No

What was your job before you started fighting? I was working two, three jobs and raising my 15-year-old sister. I decided to go back to fighting at 21, I was working as a Vet Assistant, Brand Ambassador, jobs like being an extra for movies, commercials, print, etc.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Golden Gloves, Naga, Naga Worlds, three belts total for local MMA shows

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Purple Belt in 10th Planet JJ

Favorite grappling technique: Armbar

 

• Pro since 2012

• Lost pro debut, 6-1 since

• One win by KO, four wins by submission (4 armbar)

• Three first round finishes

• Owns 2013 submission win over UFC vet Cortney Casey

• Had 7-1 amateur record