TRAINING: 10 am Bag/Mitt work with David McClung, 11 am Strength and Conditioning with Mathew Steward, 630-830 pm BJJ / Wrestling / Sparring, depending on the day

When and why did you start training for fighting? I began fighting during my senior year at Texas A&M University because I missed wrestling. It started as a hobby and grew into a passion. Eventually it became a career.

What ranks and titles have you held? BJJ brown belt under Jarrod Clontz, Legacy Fighting Championships Middleweight Champion

Do you have any heroes? Jesus Christ, Jang Ming-Chul, Ron Paul

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It is the fulfillment of a childhood dream, but more than that it is a new adventure and a new challenge that can help provide for my family as I approach marriage in the next few months.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Texas A&M, BA Finance

What was your job before you started fighting? I managed a Vitamin World and sold supplements. Before that I managed a tax office, and was a hot-shot trucker.

Favorite grappling technique: Lateral Drop

Favorite striking technique: Jab

•    Pro since 2007

•    Four wins by KO, three by submission

•    Four first round finishes

•    Has finished last five wins