Training: A typical day for this fight has been strength and conditioning in the morning followed by either MMA in the afternoon or BJJ and Muay Thai at night, five or six days a week.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I got into MMA in May of 2005, because I wanted to compete again and I was bored with going to work and coming home everyday.

Do you have any heroes? My parents and my siblings, they are all amazing people.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? To me, it means I really need to start working even harder.  I'm fighting for the organization that I have always wanted to, and I plan on staying for a long while.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to Virginia Tech, but never completed my degree.

What was your job before you started fighting? I did construction with my father and brother.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition?  I have held five different titles in organizations on the East Coast.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Brown belt in BJJ

Favorite grappling technique: Any choke

Favorite Striking technique: Straight left cross