Thoughts on upcoming opponent, Dan Hardy? I think he's a talented fighter, but I also think he's a punk and a loud mouth. I don't like him, he doesn't like me, so it makes it an extra motivating fight for me. When and why did you start training for fighting? My mother said I was punching as soon as I was walking. I started in the martial arts at age 8. I started boxing at age 14. Turned pro in boxing at age 18. Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 32-2 as an amateur boxer. Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Former USKBA MMA champion, former USBF regional boxing champion. Ranks in any martial arts styles? Black belt in Choi Shin Do Do you have any heroes? Pat Miletich. What is your favorite technique? I am a southpaw so I like the lead right hook and straight left hand. What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means I get a chance to perform on the greatest stage a fighter can perform on. This means more to me than any fight in my career including boxing. To end my fighting career in the UFC is a “happily ever after” ending for me. Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No. I received a certificate for reserve officer training in the police academy. What was your job before you started fighting? I’ve always been fighting professionally since I was 18. I’ve spent most of my work life managing nightclubs and bars.
