When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training BJJ at 16 years old. I used to get into a lot of trouble as a kid and fighting was a way to take out my aggressions without getting in trouble.

What ranks and titles have you held? USWF Lightweight World Champion. Ring Of Fire Lightweight Champion

Do you have any heroes? For fighters it would be Duane Ludwig and Diego Sanchez.

What is your favorite technique? Armbar

What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC? A great opportunity

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to college for a couple of semesters and I learned how to drink responsibly. After that I graduated from the school of hard knocks with a degree in attitude.

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked as a meat packer, and I was also an assistant manager for Frito Lay.

 Most memorable professional fight? Against Cole Miller because I was sick as hell and didn’t know if I could even fight one round. It ended up in a decision loss.

What was your most challenging professional fight? Same fight again against Cole Miller. I had nothing in me for the whole fight. I was able to almost get a win, but I lost a decision. I walked into the cage wondering how I would do in the condition I was in. I was hurting really bad from bronchitis.

Did you compete in any other sport at college or professional level? None

Who were your training partners for this fight? Cowboy Cerrone, Duane Ludwig, Cub Swanson, Joe Stevenson, Aaron Riley, Carey Vineer, Bobby Huron, Eric Perez, Frank Gomez, Henry and the rest of the team at Jackson’s - they all have helped for this one.

Did you put more emphasis towards a fighting style or adjust your training to prepare for your opponent? I put Manny’s strengths forward and attacked them the best way coach figured it out – I’m excited.

What, other than WINNING, are you using for motivation for the fight? Another shot at the title is what I want and I know that beating Manny will put me in a place to have a little pull in that sense.

What is your favorite thing about this sport? That it’s one on one, no excuses. If you lose, you lost, there’s no one else to blame but yourself.

How long do you see yourself staying in this sport? At least 8 to 10 more years, so you’ll be seeing a lot of Leonard Garcia in the future.