TUF Bio

Training: Morning practice - technique/drills. Evening practice - live sparring (big gloves or small gloves), 3x a week extra morning practice - lifting and conditioning.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I really started training for MMA fighting when I joined Randy Couture's training camp in January 2006. Randy and I had a mutual friend who got my foot in the door to train with them. From the first practice I knew that this was the camp that would help me reach my goals in MMA. Ever since then I have had the best coaches and team that I could have ever asked for.

What ranks and titles have you held? Wrestling - 2x State Champion, High School National Champion, 3x Div. 1 NCAA All American

Do you have any heroes? Randy Couture, Tom Brands, and Randy Aleman.  They all have the work ethic and attitude towards all aspects of life that has helped given direction and focus on the goals I have set for myself.

What is your favorite technique? I don't really have one technique.  I just try to outwork my opponents day in and day out, and then come to the fight confident that I should win because of my work ethic.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? If I want to be the best in the world, the UFC is where I need to prove it.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Michigan State University

What was your job before you started fighting? I did Real Estate for Randy Aleman until he knew I wanted to do MMA.  He then told me I needed to focus on training and becoming the best - he's been supportive of me since I was a kid.