When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in Jiu-Jitsu back in 1992. At that point I was simply interested in learning more about the art. Then the UFC hit and I was hooked. I never thought MMA would be this exposed to the world or had the potential to grow this large, but I took the chance and stuck with it. I love the walk to the cage, I love the preparation and the discipline that goes with being a fighter. What ranks and titles have you held? I hold the Shooto America’s division title, I am the Apex Fighting Champion in Canada, and I hold a Regional title for Super Brawl (ICON). I also have a title in the local shooto promotion, Ironheart Crown, Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Pedro Sauer. Do you have any heroes? My father is a hero of mine. He passed away when I was 18 and he was just 40 years old. He was my support system, he stayed happy til the end. He showed me what will power is all about when it comes to survival. What is your favorite technique? Rear Choke What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC? I am so excited to be a part of the all new and exciting WEC. It looks so motivating to fight for and I am 100% grateful. I can’t wait! Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No What was your job before you started fighting? My family still owns and operates one of the area’s most successful Floor Covering stores. I used to be a carpet installer and ran my own company right out of high school. I hated the job, but I was good at it.
Most memorable professional fight? The most memorable fight for me on a good note has got to be my KO win over Baret Yoshida. I was the underdog and was brought in to lose that fight. Going into it I had the utmost respect for his abilities too so I almost beat myself mentally before the fight. I traveled to Hawaii without a cornerman and let things rip. What was your most challenging professional fight? I have had so many wars out there, but I would have to say my split decision win over Rafael Assuncao in XFO 13. It was my own show, big arena, huge fight card and attendance. I had 6 guys on the card and I fought undefeated Rafael (9-0) at the time. I was kicked illegally and injured in round 1 and that just set the stage for a really hard fight from that point forward. Add the stress level to things and it made for the hardest one yet. Did you compete in any other sport at college or professional level? I grew up playing everything it seems, but ice hockey and baseball were two mainstays in my life. I played baseball all the way through high school and ice hockey I played through 1 season of division III college for a small school called Parkside University Wisconsin. I currently am also a licensed professional boxer. Who were your training partners for this fight? I train with my students mainly. I get sparring in with Bart Palaszewski, Nate Mohr, Pat Curran etc.. These guys that can really push me. But my daily partners are my students, guys I trust to keep me injury free and push me at the same time. Did you put more emphasis towards a fighting style or adjust your training to prepare for your opponent? I am spending some extra time breaking down some of my BJJ that needs sharpening up. I have had some serious chances to finish fights the last four showings and I am falling just short. I need to be led for once and told if I am making mistakes. That’s where Pedro, Marcelo and Royler are coming in. I know I can beat Mizugaki on the ground, but we'll see. Maybe I want to try and knock him out too so I spend a lot of time with my daily boxing coach Doug Mango. What is your favorite thing about this sport? I can't explain my motivation to be honest. I guess if I have to I would start by saying I have a burning desire inside my heart and my spirit to bet back to a winning path and to overcome this ugly ass demon that has seemed to blanket my life this past couple years. Winning is what I do (normally, lol) so I have every intention on getting back to that. I love this sport, I love the fans and I am fired up beyond explanation to come out with this win. How long do you see yourself staying in this sport? I have no intentions on leaving anytime soon. However, I don't see myself being old and fighting. My body will let me know, but I’m hoping another 10 years or so.
