TRAINER: Marcus Marinelli - I train at the Strong Style gym in Cleveland. My coaches Marcus Marinelli and Pablo Castro have been making me improve and become a better rounded fighter over the past months and the results will speak for themselves. We have the best MMA training and facility in the area. My main training partner, Jeff Cox, will be making his UFC debut on this card with me.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY OF TRAINING: Three days a week I work on boxing and kickboxing training with Bob Giachetti.  Four days a week I work on jiu-jitsu and wrestling with Pablo Castro and the guys in my gym.  And four days a week I run four miles.

When and why did you start training for fighting? About seven years ago.  I saw it on TV and thought I’d like to give it a try.  I never really had lofty aspirations.  I thought I’d have a few fights, see how it went, and it’s taken a life of its own ever since.

What ranks and titles have you held? Cage Warriors 170-pound champion, FightFest 170-pound champion.

Do you have any heroes? None

What is your favorite technique? Left hook

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s the pinnacle.  When I started out, I never would have expected it to carry me this far. The name ‘ultimate’ is pretty much what it is – the UFC is what every fighter’s aspiration is.  When you play football, you want to play in the NFL.  This is the same thing, it’s the big leagues.

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

What was your job before you started fighting? I still work in purchasing for Halifax, a company that sells industrial supplies.