TRAINING: My training regimen for this fight includes team practice and conditioning at Team Quest, focused training in Jiu-Jitsu and Thai boxing, as well as running and gym time. I have to give credit where it’s due, as I have been training with a lot of people to make sure I come into this fight more prepared than ever. In preparation for this fight I have been training with Team Quest to improve on my overall MMA game. They have an excellent coaching staff and provide me with a room full of great training partners to work with. Their strength and conditioning coach, Mike Dolce, has been instrumental in helping me make the cut from light heavyweight to welterweight. In addition, I’ve spent a lot time training with Jermey Wijers of Portland Thai Boxing, and John Ramirez, Kurt Shrout, and Eben Kaneshiro of New Breed Jiu-Jitsu. Lastly I have been working a lot with Greg Thompson and Nate Quarry and you can look to see them in my corner at UFC 69.  

When and why did you start training for fighting? I think I knew I would fight all my life. In the beginning I didn't know how to make it happen though. I trained in a few traditional martial arts and did a small amount of wrestling, but it didn't hold my attention at all. After a while I stopped doing anything. I started to gain weight and before I knew it I was weighing in at 330 pounds. I was fat and out of shape, but I just didn't know it.  A friend found out about a fight in Portland, Oregon at the FCFF, a high quality amateur show. I fought my first fight and I didn't know anything. It was a mess. I promised myself I would never fight again and be so unprepared. I started to train and the next fight went better and every one after that got better and better. Before I knew it I had a good record and my name was known to some extent. I started to lose weight and my life just started getting better all the time. MMA has made my life what it is now. It has given me a chance to do something I look forward to every day. I love my job - that is why I train to fight. I love the fans, the adrenaline, the ring and everything that goes along with it. I was born to fight and fight I will!

What ranks and titles have you held? On a local level I have been the FCFF heavyweight champion and the Pacific NW heavyweight champion.

Do you have any heroes? My son Thor is my hero. I love that kid more than life. He has taught me what it means to be a man and what it means to fight. I have never met a tougher person in my life. Beyond him I am a huge fan of the Incredible Hulk. I love that guy.

What is your favorite technique? If I had to pick one I would say the Guillotine. I love the ease with which you can finish an opponent with that technique. When it is applied correctly the fight is over even before they have a chance to defend. More than that though, I thoroughly enjoy a nice hard overhand right. There is no better feeling than that of leather connecting with your opponent’s skull and watching them slump to the canvas.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? The UFC represents a huge point in my life. When I first started this I said to my wife that I would make it to the UFC. I did what I had to do to get this far. I have worked hard and made the changes in my life, as well as in my training, to get this opportunity. I could not be happier. I have the utmost respect for the folks at Spike TV and for Dana White and the folks at the UFC for giving me this opportunity. If this is the only fight I ever have in the UFC octagon, at least I can say I was there once. It is my intention to make this the beginning of a very good career with the UFC.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I did go to college in Ashland, Oregon. I graduated in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems.

What was your job before you started fighting? Before I started fighting full time I was a network engineer for a community hospital. I was responsible for the network and all computer systems and software used in the facility. It was a great job but my heart just was not in it. Making this change was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I will never look back with regret.