When and why did you start training for fighting? I started BJJ when I was 16 and trained every day, twice a day, until I decided to be a professional fighter. The UFC was here in the USA, so I told my parents that I would transfer my scholarship(I earned an International Business Scholarship) from the best University in my state, but even though I was always an A student, that was really not what I wanted to do and wanted to be. So when I was 20, I moved here, transferred my school credits to Wright State University in Ohio and continued studying for a couple more years while teaching Jiu-Jitsu at a local school and waiting tables to pay the bills. I was paying double tuition to go to school, and by that time I was already competing in tournaments around the country and traveling with the few students that I had, so I was failing the classes - not because of grades, but because of attendance. I eventually had to choose between paying for school or putting food on the table and making rent on my one bedroom apartment in the suburbs of Dayton, so, long story short, I decided to quit school with only a year left before I could graduate. Needless to say, my "brainiac" genius parents were very disappointed with me.
On the other side, I could finally dedicate myself to do what I love and open my school. Now I have 12 all around the country and Canada and I train full time to be the best MMA fighter I can be. It's been a long road, but I have been blessed with great friends, students and great opportunities that allow me to be able to live the life that I have always dreamed of - one of a professional athlete.

What ranks and titles have you held? Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. ACC lightweight champion. I won numerous BJJ tournaments, including the International Pro-American, and I was, before the TUF show, the number one contender to fight for the FFC, King of the Cage, AFC and WEC lightweight titles.

Do you have any heroes? My hero is my mother. She single handedly built me into the person I am today.

What is your favorite technique? My favorite technique is CONDITIONING. I always say that to my students.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC for me really is my biggest dream come true. I have dreamed about the day I get my hand raised inside that Octagon more that any other dreams I have ever had, ten fold. It's never been about the money, or fame, or anything like that. It’s always been about making my childhood dream come true. I have been thinking about this since I was 16, when I saw Royce (Gracie) in 93, and now I will be there and WIN in there. It will be the happiest day of my life.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Two degrees in English

What was your job before you started fighting? I used to be an English Teacher in Brazil for years before I moved here and when I got here, I waited tables for almost five years... talk about a tough job! Never again.