When and why did you start training for fighting? I trained in martial arts from eight years old, karate initially and then moving to kickboxing. From age 15 I have been competing in a variety of full-contact competitions to test my training. Since then I have competed in over 80 amateur & professional fights in MMA, Thai/Kickboxing and Japanese Shootboxing.

What ranks and titles have you held? Shootboxing Japan "S-of the world vol 5" Winner (2003), European Cage Combat Middleweight Champion (2003), Knock Down Sport Budo International Champion (2001), European Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Grappling Championship (Fr) silver medalist (2001), UK Open Sambo Tournament Silver medalist (2001), South East USA Kickboxing Champion (1993)
Do you have any heroes? Hayato Sakurai and Rumina Sato

What is your favorite technique? Whatever my opponent least expects: leg locks, heel hooks & spinning back fists all felt good to me in 2006.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Achieving a lifelong dream...I first put my application in to fight in the UFC in 1994...must be a huge pile of application forms on Dana's desk, because it took the guys 13 years to work through it and eventually call me up...now that I'm here though, I intend to stick around and do some damage.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I left school at 14 years old.

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked as a Chef at 16 years old, but I have been a full-time fighter for many years now.