TRAINING: A typical day of training for me always starts off with me going over things mentally before I step into the gym. I delve myself in the arts of battle and everything that comes with the physical, mental, nutritional, health, tactical, and conceptual areas of it. My morning session usually is going over techniques, getting the reps, and combining the physical and mental condition together. My second session usually consists of either sparring, situational drills, or wrestling. I am a big believer in mental preparation as well, so I end my training days again with mental conditioning, mental compounding and reviewing the day. Within my typical day of training I'm also eating healthy.

 

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started off as a wrestler, and I found immediate success.  I went undefeated my first two years in middle school.  Fast forward a few years and I found myself at Arizona State University with teammates Cain Velasquez, Ryan Bader, CB Dollaway, John Moraga, Clifford Starks, and Eric Larkin.  I was also coached by Aaron Simpson.  These teammates had great success in MMA, so I then moved to Florida and began training in 2010.

What ranks and titles have you held? 2X State Champion, 1X Runner up.

Do you have any heroes? No

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means everything.  To be in the best organization and have the ultimate platform to showcase my skills, talent and development, it is what I deserve.  It is also a life changing opportunity for my daughters and me.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to Arizona State University and I earned a bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Sociology and Family Studies.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was a case manager for a Dual Diagnostic Juvenile Detention Center for Juveniles with drug abuse and disorders.

Favorite grappling technique: Guillotine

Favorite striking technique: Flying knee

• Pro since 2010

 

• Four wins by KO, three by submission (2 RNC, guillotine)

 

• Has won five of his last nine

 

• Six first round finishes