What are your thoughts on your upcoming opponent, Paulo Thiago? Paulo is a very tough and very scrappy fighter. I will have to be very technical and use my usual pressure to put him away.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I was called to it. It sort of found me. I wrestled at Purdue University; my assistant coach was Tom Erikson. He had been fighting on and off for a few years. He would have guys like Gary Goodridge and Mark Coleman come into town and train with him. It looked like fun so I would jump in and help out. After college I still wanted to compete and I was not ready to start working in the real world. I decided to try out fighting. Everything in my life has led me to this point. Now I will use this opportunity to make myself known to the world.

What ranks and titles have you held? Black belt in Jiu Jitsu under Dave Camarillo, MMA Mexico WW World Champ (won the belt in a one night eight man tourney, stopped all three opponents, and was sick with mono at the time). 2002 Purdue Wrestling Team Captain/ 2002 Purdue wrestling Most Dedicated Big Ten Conference Scholar-Athlete Award winner/ 4 year letter winner in wrestling at Purdue University/ Junior National Indiana Freestyle team member.                                                                                                                                                                                 

Do you have any heroes? My Father and my Grandparents.

What is your favorite technique? Punch to face or kick to head, it’s a toss up between the two, but I have also been known to suplex opponents.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Everything, I have sacrificed so much in the last few years. I moved 2,000 miles away from every one I know, all my friends, all my family, job offers. I packed what I could fit into my car and drove to California with my dog.  I slept on the floor for the first month because I couldn't afford a bed. I don't go out, I don't party. All I do is work and train.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I attended Purdue University and received my degree in Physical Education with a minor in History. I have my Indiana teacher’s license. I also have a year of grad school finished.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was a full time student. Once I moved I had to work as a bouncer to make money to live, so I worked at night so I could train during the day.