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TRAINING: My training days are harder than an actual fight. When I say we train for two hours straight, it doesn't mean we're talking about what to wear for the birthday party for an hour then train for the remaining hour. We train hardcore for two grueling hours straight nonstop, twice a day! I'm ready for the war, so be ready to watch one of the best fights in UFC history!!! Thank you UFC once again for this opportunity! You won't be disappointed!

When and why did you start training for fighting? My whole life I’ve been into martial arts. I used to use my abilities on the street and eventually I asked myself why I was doing it on the streets and getting in trouble when I could be doing it professionally and making a living off of it. It made sense because it is what I love to do and I’m good at it.

What ranks and titles have you held? X1 world featherweight champ in Honolulu HI and Tachi Palace Fights featherweight champ

Do you have any heroes? Bruce Lee, because he was the guy who got me into martial arts

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I’ve been fighting for 12 years and I’ve been wanting to fight for the UFC the entire time. I’m pretty stoked, I’m excited, and I’m training really hard. I’m definitely not going to take this opportunity for granted and I’m going to give the UFC the best of me!

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I got my associates degree in carpentry, so carpentry is my trade.

What was your job before you started fighting? Carpentry, because it something to fall back on just in case I couldn’t do fighting full-time. When fighting wasn’t paying all the bills, I started doing construction and going to school at the same time to get my degree.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? I’ve competed at numerous jiu-jitsu tournaments and have quite a few medals from them, including from NAGA, Grapplers Quest and others.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Brown Belt in Jiu-Jitsu

Favorite grappling technique: Chokes, any kind of chokes.

Favorite Striking technique: I like all striking