TRAINING: Eat breakfast, do strength and conditioning at noon, then spar at 7pm. This is closer to the time I will fight. Shower, eat, and recover after each workout.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training after I graduated college. I started watching some of the wrestlers that were doing well in the sport and I thought my wrestling translated well, so I wanted to get in there and give it a try.

What ranks and titles have you held? Purple Belt in BJJ. The Strikeforce welterweight world title will be my first significant MMA title!

Do you have any heroes? Jesus, My Mom, and Ali......in that order

What does it mean for you to fight in STRIKEFORCE? It’s a great platform to fight on! I get to measure myself against some of the best welterweights in the game and see where I stand!

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? University of Missouri grad. Studied Business, and currently halfway done in a Masters in Public Administration with an a focus on Non Profit

What was your job before you started fighting? College Wrestling Coach

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 7-0 Amateur MMA, 48-0 High School State Champ in Wrestling, 2X HS All-American, Big XII Champ, 2X DI College All-American, Over 100 College Victories

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Victory over a very game Tarec Saffiedine

Favorite grappling technique: D’arce Choke

Favorite Striking technique: Straight Right

•    Pro since 2009

•    Four wins by submission, two by KO

•    Fought nine of his 11 pro fights in Strikeforce

•    Five first round finishes