TRAINING: A typical day of training for me is waking up at 6am, training until noon, then rest or hang out with my family until about 5pm. Then I’ll take my kids to the kids’ class at our gym and I’ll do my hard training from about 7 to 10pm. 

When and why did you start training for fighting? I tried out an MMA class in 2008 and from the first punch I knew I could do this.

What ranks and titles have you held? Fight Time Promotions Welterweight Title & Elite Promotions Amateur Welterweight Title

Do you have any heroes? Anderson Silva & Dominick Cruz

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means I'm blessed, I'm supposed to be here, and that all my hard work wasn't a waste.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? For a short time, I studied criminal justice and it wasn't for me.

What was your job before you started fighting? Landscaping & I own my own pressure washing business.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Amateur record of 9-0, 2-0 in kickboxing and countless grappling completion placements.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Jiu-Jitsu brown belt

Favorite grappling technique: Guillotine

Favorite Striking technique: Superman punch to spinning backfist