When and why did you start training for fighting? I’ve always loved fighting, but the sport of MMA makes for more challenges and is more exciting. With professional athletes cutting weight for weight classes and coming from all over the world to compete, it’s fulfilling.

What ranks and titles have you held? Extreme Challenge lightweight world title/ Midwest cage championship featherweight title, many power lifting titles.

Do you have any heroes? My wife Shea is my number one support and fan. She takes care of things while I’m in Iraq or training for a fight. I have to do a lot of hard work, and behind every strong man there’s a strong woman and I thank God she can handle things.

What is your favorite technique? The Triangle set up, cause there are so many subs from there

What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC? It means a lot to me. I fought a lot of the best fighters in the world with limited or no training. I want to show the rest of the world what training and someone like me can do for the sport, and the WEC at 145lbs.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to ISU for 2 semesters of business education. I realized everyone isn’t cut out for school.

What was your job before you started fighting? I joined the Army National Guard at 17.