TRAINING:  Technique, running, game planning in the mornings, then sparring, grappling and conditioning in the evenings.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started in 1994 with Tae Kwon Do, kickboxing and judo - first for self-defense and for fighting in tournaments. Later (2000) I stepped into the MMA arena and I fought nearly all of my MMA Fights for the OC Fight Team in European events like EVT, WFC, Cage Warriors... (thanks to my manager Bodo Elsbeck from Outsider-Club and to my trainer Nico Sulenta from Kiboju Mannheim)

What ranks and titles have you held? I was German Kickboxing Champion 1997 (Wako) and am currently ranked sixth in Europe. South German Freefight Champion 2003 und 2004 (FFA)

Do you have any heroes? Fedor Emelianenko

What is your favorite technique?  Boxing combinations and shoulder throws.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? This is really my biggest dream  ...thanks a lot to the UFC for this chance.

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

What was your job before you started fighting? Car mechanical master (KFZ Meister in German)

•    Won KO of the Night for wins over Mohr and Kelly, Submission of the Night for win over Winner, and Fight of the Night in Loss to Pearson

•    Nine wins by submission, five by KO

•    Has fought in Germany, Australia, Sweden, England, Slovenia, and the United States

•    Fight against Maynard was his United States debut (currently 1-3 in US fights).