When and why did you start training for fighting? I was impressed by seeing Royce Gracie dismantle huge opponents with ease. The whole idea of testing yourself in MMA style combat always intrigued me.

What ranks and titles have you held? BJJ Black Belt under Roberto Maia. I am a Pan-American BJJ medalist, NAGA BJJ Superfight Champion, Grapplers Quest Superfight champion,  2002 US Grappling Pro 8-man champion, 2002 Copa Atlantica BJJ Champion, 2x Mass Destruction MMA Superfight Champion.

Do you have any heroes? There are people I look up to but no heroes.

What is your favorite technique? The rear naked choke, but really anything that gets me the submission or knockout.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? To fight at the highest level of MMA is to fight in the Octagon. It is a dream I have since I was a kid. It’s a dream come true.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I graduated with Bachelor’s Degree in Arts & Sciences from Boston College. I majored in Communications.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was a Senior Project Manager for a Harvard based Translation Services Company for the Financial Translation Division.