When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in MMA back in 95. In 2000 my college roommate and I read a post on the UG forum looking for fighters in Boston. My roommate (Gunnar Olson) said “hey let’s try this thing out.” One fight led to another and another.

What ranks and titles have you held? WEC Featherweight Champion, Absolute Fighting Featherweight Champion and Fightzone Featherweight Champion

Do you have any heroes? My heroes are my coaches, my friends, and my family.

What is your favorite technique? I don’t have a favorite technique. Anything that gets the sub or KO sounds good to me.

What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC? WEC is the place to be. If you are 145 or 135lbs this is the pinnacle. The WEC champ is the best in the world in my eyes. It is the most prestigious title for the smaller weight classes.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? In 2000 I graduated from Norwich University with a BS in Biology.

What was your job before you started fighting? When I graduated from college I started working at Budweiser as a merchandiser. They fired me because I was taking too much time off to train and fight. My plan was to train and fight for a few years then pursue a job in the biology field. A few years has turned into eight. Other jobs I had include pumping gas, produce clerk at a local supermarket, cashier at Sam’s club, mover (probably the worst job I ever had), worked at a cemetery, overnight desk job at a 24hr fitness club.

How has your training changed since coming into the WEC? My training really hasn’t changed much getting ready for the WEC. I train with the best team in the world. We have guys getting ready for important fights all the time. I’m always in the gym training with guys getting ready for big fights. I personally will train as hard as I can to be ready for June 1st.

What is it like to fight on live TV in the WEC? Television exposure for this fight will be very big. The show will be available on free TV and the card looks to be stacked with great fights. I truly believe that 135, 145, and 155 are the most exciting weight classes. WEC specializes in excitement!

How have the stakes changed now that you’re with the WEC? WEC is the biggest stage with the best fighters. This is the place to see if you are one of the best in the world.

How has the competition level changed since joining the WEC? WEC has the best in the world. Faber, Pulver, Curran, Pequeno, Miller, Takaya, Swanson, and so many more.

Most memorable professional fight? Most memorable fight is against Uriah. That was for the WEC title, #1 spot in the world, that fight was for all the marbles.

What was your most challenging professional fight? Most challenging fight was against Yves Edwards. That was a fight I went in thinking I really had to pull something big out. He is so tough and so well rounded. I now train with him and know what he is capable of. That guy is a monster and will be the #1 ranked lightweight in the world again; this I am certain.

Did you compete in any other sport(s) at college or professional level? I wrestled in college but only about 20 matches. I had neck surgery in 96 which caused me to miss a couple of years of wrestling.

Who were your training partners for this fight? Thiago Alves, Rafael Dias, Din Thomas, Fabio Mello, Brian Eckstein, Yves Edwards, Marcus Aurelio, Cole Miller and more.

Did you put more emphasis towards a fighting style or adjust your training to prepare for your opponent? I've been training my normal style, paying close attention to knees

What, other than WINNING, are you using for motivation for the fight? I’m just trying to leave my mark and put on the best performance I can possibly put together. This is my entire life's work, it’s my passion, and it's my job. This is my life.

What is your favorite thing about this sport? I love the purity of the sport. I love the idea, lock two guys in a room and see who comes out.... I love it.

How long do you see yourself staying in this sport? I’m hoping for another 5 years, but you never know, maybe I’m the next Bernard Hopkins and I’ll be the champ for another 10 years...