When and why did you start training for fighting?  I started training in 1995 because I was a very aggressive and very competitive person.

What ranks and titles have you held?  Former WEC World Lightweight Champion.  IMTC Intercontinental Welterweight Kickboxing Champion, IAMTS US Kickboxing Champion, IKKC US Kickboxing Champion, 5x United World Muay Thai Kickboxing Champion, IKBA International Kickboxing Champion, ISKA California Kickboxing Champion, and PFC Eight Man MMA Tournament Champion.  2x K-1 veteran.

Do you have any heroes?  Fonzie, anyone who chases their dreams, and the US Military.

What is your favorite technique?  Kicking and punching people in the face.

What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC?  I am proud to be a champion for one of the most prestigious organizations in MMA.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn?  School of Hard Knocks and I got a PhD in Bad Ass.

What was your job before you started fighting?  I have been fighting professionally ever since I left high school.

How have the stakes changed now that you’re with the WEC?  I get much more national recognition, more of my fans get to watch me display my skills, and the pay ain’t bad either.

Most memorable professional fight? My last fight between me and Donald Cerrone. Even though it was a loss, I learned a lot from it, I had a good time doing it, and when it was all said and done, I left everything in the cage that night.

What was your most challenging professional fight? Probably defending my belt against Jamie Varner. There was the high altitude and I had a broken ear drum, so it was a pretty bad day.

Did you compete in any other sport at college or professional level? I was a professional Thai boxer

Who were your training partners for this fight? Fedor Emelianenko, King Kong, and the Sandman (from Mike Tyson).

Did you put more emphasis towards a fighting style or adjust your training to prepare for your opponent? I'm focusing on conditioning the most.
What, other than WINNING, are you using for motivation for the fight? A new family, such as a new baby boy on the way named Cruz.

What is your favorite thing about this sport? When it’s all said and done, I’m not gonna go to jail and I get a paycheck.

How long do you see yourself staying in this sport? Until it’s not fun anymore.