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. 

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. 

What was your job before you started fighting? I was a carpenter by trade, but left that to take a walk toward my true dreams and become one of the world's best MMA stars. 

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Boxed amateur - compiled a 32-7 record, turned pro and had five pro fights. 

Favorite grappling technique: Scrambles 

Favorite Striking technique: Anything that involves breaking someone's face, ha ha. I love straight shots.