TRAINING: A typical day of training starts with 9:30am practice at Jackson’s. 1:00 strength and conditioning at Southwest Sports Institute. 5:00 Thai pads

Thoughts on opponent, Nick Diaz? Nick is a great fighter. He’s also a hungry and motivated fighter. Both of us want to be the champion more than anyone could imagine. I look forward to training for the challenges that he will present in the Octagon. We both have aggressive styles, and that should provide for an entertaining fight for both the UFC and the fans.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I've always been interested in combat sports, and when I was fifteen I decided to look for a place to train.  I found the school I'm with now, and I just fell in love with the sport.

What ranks and titles have you held? WEC Welterweight Champion

Do you have any heroes? Tyler Sanchez and Tim Mullens

What is your favorite technique? Knees to the jaw

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC is a chance to make my mark, to compete with the best in the world, and hopefully write my name in MMA history.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No college

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked as a bouncer for a while and I was a lifeguard for a couple years. Now I teach at the gym.

•    Has won 12 of his last 13. Loss to Kampmann was his first since 2006.

•    13 wins by submission, 12 by TKO / KO

•    Win over MacDonald was UFC 115’s Fight of the Night

•    Wins over Kim and Hardy were Knockout of the Night award winners

•    Last welterweight champion in WEC history. Went 5-0 in the organization, defeating Kyle Jensen, John Alessio, Brock Larson, Carlo Prater, and Hiromitsu Miura.

•    Has faced Jake Shields, Frank Trigg, Renato Verissimo, Brandon Melendez, Pat Healy, and Koji Oishi in non-UFC / WEC bouts.