TRAINING: I'm training twice a day. My week is very well scheduled and I’ve got a lot of support from my partners and coaches. I'm having a blast in the training camp for this fight - a lot of sweat and a lot of fun.

 

When and why did you start training for fighting? I always trained martial arts from a very young age. My brother was my teacher, he taught me Jeet Kune Do but I never competed. At the age of 25 I moved to Montreal and I met Firas at Tristar gym and start taking MMA classes. Two years later, I was a pro.

What ranks and titles have you held? I won a Ring of Combat welterweight championship against Pete Sell in Atlantic City.

Do you have any heroes? None

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC is the greatest accomplishment of my life as a fighter.

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

What was your job before you started fighting? I did many jobs, but the one that came up most often is doorman or bodyguard, and when I had enough experience in sports, I started giving private classes and I'm still doing it.

Favorite grappling technique: Double leg

Favorite striking technique: Muay Thai clinch

• Pro since 2007