Thoughts on Opponent, Jake O’Brien? I’m excited to be finally making my UFC debut, and O’Brien is just going to be a victim for me.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training when I was 4 years old in Kyokushin Karate and when I first saw Royce Gracie in the UFC I started BJJ and I realized I wanted to make a career out of this.

What ranks and titles have you held? I'm a black belt in Kyokushin Karate and I am the #1 contender in the TKO HW Division.

Do you have any heroes? My hero is Royce Gracie but I also have a lot of respect for Jerome LeBanner whom I train with once in a while when I visit Europe.

What is your favorite technique? I love BJJ, but in most of my fights I always end up in a crazy stand-up battle.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means everything to me. I am also thankful that Stephane Patry was able to convince the UFC to give me my first chance.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was bouncing in clubs and working security for a casino.