When and why did you start training for fighting? Started boxing out of high school as a way to keep competitive after football took me nowhere. I won’t say I got bored boxing, because I love the sport/art, but I eventually was more drawn to the sport of MMA because of how dynamic the fighters had to be and the variety the matchups provided.

Do you have any heroes? Not specifically, but I am often moved when reading tales of soldiers in battle situations.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Absolutely a dream come true. Without a doubt the biggest thing for me in the sport was to be a part of the UFC...just a few months ago I was sitting in that same arena (Mandalay Bay) as a corner person and fan watching Clementi/Guillard, and Wanderlei/Chuck and just daydreaming about one day being there. While I knew my skills were on this level, to be honest it happened quicker than I expected.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Attended Louisiana State University but put school on hold to pursue fighting. I'm a junior, 30 credit hours short of a BA in English Literature

What was your job before you started fighting? I did a little of everything - bartending, framing houses, working in the plant, masonry.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Undefeated as an amateur in MMA and boxing

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? I have a couple of local belts.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Brown belt under Rich Clementi, Blue belt in gi under Crazy Tim Credeur

Favorite grappling technique: triangle

Favorite Striking technique: punches