TRAINING: A typical day of training has about 2-3 training sessions a day. In the morning it’s a combo between MMA rounds, sparring and wrestling. Mid afternoons is either BJJ or strength and conditioning. And to finish off the day I put in some road work.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in January of 2007. I was a huge fan of the UFC/TUF, and I had an overwhelming desire to give MMA a try.

What ranks and titles have you held? I hold a purple belt in BJJ. I have held the heavyweight title for Cage Combat and the WFO light heavyweight title.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC means a lot. I set out five years ago to pursue a career in MMA, and now I’m fighting for the best company and fighting the best fighters in the world.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to Howard Payne University where I received a degree in Business Administration and also played four years of NCAA football

What was your job before you started fighting? Full time student/ athlete

Favorite grappling technique: rear naked choke

Favorite Striking technique: head kick

•    Pro since 2007

•    Four wins by KO, five wins by submission

•    UFC debut against Sean Loeffler in 2012 was canceled on fight night when Loeffler got injured in the locker room.