Training: On hard sparring days I will train twice, usually mitts or Thai pads at night after sparring that morning. The other days I see my strength and conditioning coach in the morning, followed by jiu-jitsu around 2pm. Then I cap it off with one of my standup coaches. So it’s been either 2 or 3 workouts a day for 6 days a week this camp.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I competed in wrestling in high school and loved/missed the competition.

What ranks and titles have you held?   2x 5150 Heavyweight Champion

Do you have any heroes?   My mom. She is what gives me strength. She is stronger than any fighter I have ever met.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC?   My very first MMA class was in 2006. Matt Stansell was teaching the class and I told him I wanted to fight in the UFC. I was fat, 300 pounds, with long shaggy hair. Matt was brutally honest with me and said there was a 98% chance that I would never fight in the UFC. I told him I don't care what I had to do that I was determined, so I asked him what I needed to do and he told me: Get in shape, lose 60 pounds get at least 10 wins under your belt. He said, “Everyone says they want to fight in the UFC but very few people have the discipline to do it.” Well here I am, four years later, 60 pounds lighter, no more shaggy hair, two weeks after my 10th win and I am fighting in the UFC. So what does it mean to me???? It is the reward for my focus, hard work and dedication. I can do anything I set my mind to do.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? I won the 5150 Heavyweight title twice in Oklahoma. I have beat three UFC veterans, including Houston Alexander. All three wins were by KO/TKO.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Favorite grappling technique: Kimura or Triangle

Favorite Striking technique: right cross or right uppercut