TRAINING: For this fight a typical day would include training or hard sparring in the morning, then strength and conditioning in the afternoon, followed by specific drilling at night.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I watched lots of Kung Fu movies as a kid. I thought it was awesome, and I wanted to be a Kung Fu master. I started training in traditional martial arts at 14.

What ranks and titles have you held? I have a purple belt in BJJ and I held the western Canadian kickboxing title, Canadian kickboxing title and a western Canadian Muay Thai title

Do you have any heroes? Ramon Dekkers, Peter Aerts

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Everything. The UFC is the top of the top. This will be an experience that I will never forget.

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

What was your job before you started fighting? Military

Favorite grappling technique: Kimura

Favorite Striking technique: Jab

• Pro since 2007

 

• Six wins by KO, four by submission

• Defeated former boxing star Eric “Butterbean” Esch in second pro fight in 2007