TRAINING: 8am run. 11am strength and conditioning. Noon grappling. 6PM pad work, followed by sparring

When and why did you start training for fighting? Since the very first UFC I always wanted to fight in the UFC, but didn’t start MMA till I was 26. I always did different martial arts and boxing. But 10 years ago, MMA and BJJ gyms were hard to come by.

What ranks and titles have you held? I am the current welterweight champion for Ringside MMA and Professional Fight Championships and the middleweight champion for XCC.

Do you have any heroes? I have people I respect for their accomplishments but no heroes.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? To fight in the UFC is the one accomplishment that I am most proud of in my life. It was my dream. I earned it and never gave up on it. I had a long road to get here. The harder the mountain is to climb, the better you feel once you reach the top.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to college to become a fitness trainer. I never finished my degree, but I am a trainer now.

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked in a factory building transport trucks

Ranks in any martial arts styles: I am a black belt in taekwondo.

Favorite grappling technique: Every choke. Can't breathe. Can't fight

Favorite Striking technique: Elbow

•    Pro since 2005

•    On five fight winning streak, including knockouts of Jonathan Goulet and Rich Clementi

•    Has also faced Rory Markham, Jesse Bongfeldt, and John Alessio