TRAINING: We have a wide, varied training day, but normally, I would wake up, get my morning run in, and then I would make my way to the gym, where we would start with our wrestling drills and game planning and continue with the morning’s practice. Whether we're on a grappling day, sparring or doing technical work drills, we will run a complete routine from start to finish with awareness of all aspects. I rest for the afternoon and return for some tech work. I do pads or mix it up with my strength and conditioning coach three to four times a week. There really is no stone left unturned in fight camp. 

 

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started at the age of 23, when I made the transition from boxing to MMA. It was all new to me and it really pulled me in.

 

What ranks and titles have you held? None

 

Do you have any heroes? Heroes.....that’s an interesting one and I have been asked this before. I grew up on a council estate and didn't have much. Things were real hard. I grew up with my brother and sister with our single mum and knew that from an early age I had to be the one to produce my future, my dreams, and my chosen path. I came from a place where I wasn't supposed to be here today. Ultimately, I'm my own hero and wish to be a hero for others...people who started the same as me, given very little but a way to get caught up in the system. Learning from all the hardships, being patient and growing up, I realized quick I would be my own hero and the savior of my destiny. I now have a baby boy and I can change things and be his hero based upon life lessons, values and modeled around the person who I wished for growing up.

 

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? For me to fight in the UFC, words can't describe. It's been a long time coming, endless nights dreaming, endless days working and dreaming. It's the pinnacle to a man's sport, like the premiership of combat sports. So yeah, it’s a big personal achievement in life, but somewhere I believe I should be, fighting the best in the world and proving I'm not to be taken lightly.

 

• Has won eight of his last 10