Training: I wake up at 6am, have breakfast, go back to bed until 9am and first practice is at 9:30am. One day we’ll do kickboxing, another day we’ll do jiu-jitsu, and then other days we’ll do wrestling or boxing. Basically I spar every day. At 2:30 every day I work out with my strength trainer Kelly Tekin, and at night, around 5:30-6pm I have a one on one session with Greg Jackson where we go over strategy. Depending on if I have any strength left in me, I’ll go to Defined Fitness and that’s where I’ll do laps in the pool or go in the steam room or sauna.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training MMA 14 months ago and was introduced to Pro MMA through my manager Ryan Ciotoli.

What ranks and titles have you held? JUCO National Wrestling Champion, USKBA 205lb MMA Champion

Do you have any heroes? Anderson Silva, Fedor Emelianenko, Muhammad Ali

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It is a great opportunity for me at such a young age and being new to the sport of MMA.  I am extremely excited to be a part of the UFC.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I attended Iowa Central and earned an associates degree.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? JUCO National Wrestling Champion, Greco Roman All-American, NYS Champion

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? USKBA 205lb Champion

Favorite grappling technique: Whatever taps the guy out.

Favorite striking technique: Whatever KO's him.