TRAINING: Typically I wake up about 8 am and eat a small breakfast then head to my first training session at Jackson / Winkeljohn’s gym. We do different classes on different days. Then midday I return to do mitt work with Mike Winkeljohn. After that we have an evening training session which consists of different drills and grappling techniques. Then its' ice tub time!

When and why did you start training for fighting? I wrestled in high school and when I finished playing football, I still needed the competition. So it seemed like a good outlet. I started and competed once and I fell in love with it.

What ranks and titles have you held? None

Do you have any heroes? One of my all-time favorite fighters is Fedor Emelianenko. He’s a mean, gritty fighter

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I’m totally excited about it. It’s a thrill, and when you get into this sport, this is the tier everyone’s trying to get to. It’s a great honor and I’m excited to be a part of it.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? LSU. Graduated with a Kinesiology – human movement degree and a chemistry degree.

What was your job before you started fighting? Played football. Won two national titles with LSU

Favorite grappling technique: Suplexes

Favorite Striking technique: Lead uppercut

•    Pro since 2009

•    Nine wins by KO, three by submission

•    Former fullback on the LSU football team

•    Had 1-1 record in Strikeforce with a September 2011 submission of Lavar Johnson