TRAINING: Mitt work and a five mile run in the morning.  At night it is a session of boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started off as a wrestler, and I found immediate success.  I went undefeated my first two years in middle school.  Fast forward a few years and I found myself at Arizona State University with teammates Cain Velasquez, Ryan Bader, CB Dollaway, John Moraga, Clifford Starks, and Eric Larkin.  I was also coached by Aaron Simpson.  These teammates had great success in MMA, so I then moved to Florida and began training in 2010.

What ranks and titles have you held? 2X State Champion, 1X Runner up.

Do you have any heroes? No

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means everything.  To be in the best organization and have the ultimate platform to showcase my skills, talent and development, it is what I deserve.  It is also a life changing opportunity for my daughters and me.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to Arizona State University and I earned a bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Sociology and Family Studies.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was a case manager for a Dual Diagnostic Juvenile Detention Center for Juveniles with drug abuse and disorders.

Favorite grappling technique: Guillotine

Favorite striking technique: Flying knee

•    Pro since 2010

•    Four wins by KO, two by submission

•    Has won four of his last six

•    Five first round finishes