Training: I stick to the basics and train in regular classes. Other than sparring - I hit up a few gyms around town for all my training.  I also go to the Grudge Training Center in Colorado to work with Trevor Wittman before every fight. I try to help them as much as I can and they allow me to train with some of the UFC's top contenders.

When and why did you start training for fighting? Because I was extra broke, so I took an exhibition fight for a couple hundred dollars and bought a ragged Mustang to get around town.

What ranks and titles have you held? Freestyle Cage Fighting Middleweight Champion/Shark Fights Middleweight Champion/NAGA Arnold Classic World Grappling Champion

Do you have any heroes? My parents now, but it was the Ninja Turtles when I was in middle school.....seriously I was Michelangelo

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means I have been selected to compete against the best in the world. I have the opportunity to become the UFC champion. It also means people think I'm rich now so they keep calling and texting my phone!

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I barely graduated from Cleveland State University. I received a Bachelors Degree in History.

What was your job before you started fighting? Teaching High School and coaching wrestling

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Wrestling - 3x NCAA Div I Qualifier - 2x High School All-American

Favorite grappling technique: Slamming people on their head

Favorite Striking technique: The punch that knocks my opponent out and the referee pulls me off, then I jump on the cage and yell at the crowd!

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