Thoughts on opponent, Gerald Harris? He’s a wrestler, a Division I caliber guy and I know that he’s really tough. Anybody at this level is gonna be a tough guy.

Training: My workouts consist of morning lifts, BJJ and MMA training in the afternoon, and my stand-up in the evening.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I’ve wrestled my whole life, and after college I was looking for new challenges.

What ranks and titles have you held? Two-time New Jersey State Champion (2000-2001), 2001 high school national champion, Multiple Grapplers Quest and NAGA advanced division champion, 2006 NJ Diamond Gloves champion, Reality Fighting middleweight champion, Ring of Combat middleweight champion, National junior college champion.

Do you have any heroes? Rocky

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? This means everything to me; this is what I have worked for my entire life.

What was your job before you started fighting? Valet parking

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Brown belt in BJJ under Edson Carvalho