When and why did you start training for fighting? I was taught Karate by my mother since I could walk and participated in Karate tournaments all of my life and as I progressed I got disqualified a few times for excessive contact. Getting a lot of warnings and disqualifications pushed me away from the sport of point karate. I was a huge fan of the UFC at the time also so my new goal at this point in time was to one day fight for the UFC. When I graduated high school I moved out to San Diego once I passed the Lions Den Tryouts at the age of 17. Ken Shamrock was the first formal MMA training that I had. That is where I met my current trainer, Eric Delfierro. The rest is history. What ranks and titles have you held? Black belt in Karate and Tae Kwon Do Do you have any heroes? Bruce Lee was one of my heroes growing up. Now I would have to say Roy Jones Jr. and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are some of the fighters I really look up to. I can’t forget about Sugar Shane Mosley either. What is your favorite technique? Spinning Hook kick What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC? It means a lot to be fighting for the WEC. It means that all of my hard work and training is being recognized. I have a home-based following, but it really means that I am doing something right to be given the opportunity to fight for such a well known organization. Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No What was your job before you started fighting? Student
Most memorable professional fight? I have two - Brett Cooper a few yrs ago in Tijuana, Mexico. I knocked him out with a spinning hook kick from hell. And Alex Karalexis @ WEC because I was the underdog in his town and he made a name for himself coming off TUF. I knew that matchup would be my chance to get recognized. I won via TKO. What was your most challenging professional fight? Marcus Hicks @ WEC. He won. Did you compete in any other sport at college or professional level? Nope. I joined this sport at 17. 1st pro fight was at 18. I didn’t have a desire to do anything but MMA. Who were your training partners for this fight? Dominick Cruz, Gary Padilla, Shannon Gugerty, Mike Easton, Rolando Perez, Daniel Morales, Aaron Beech and a group of others. Sorry there are just too many names to remember. I wanna take this time to thank any and everyone that helped me get ready for this. Did you put more emphasis towards a fighting style or adjust your training to prepare for your opponent? I really stepped up my wrestling game. If he can’t take me down then he can’t jiu-jitsu me right? What, other than WINNING, are you using for motivation for the fight? $$MONEY$ LOL What is your favorite thing about this sport? I get the opportunity to showcase Karate on a different level. How long do you see yourself staying in this sport? Forever. Even if I’m not fighting myself I want to produce fighters, so I’m here to stay.
