TRAINING: Training MMA day and night

When and why did you start training for fighting? I fought first and trained later, but I tried it out and liked it. I started in 2001.

What ranks and titles have you held? XKK, WWFC, Shark Fights, and IFC champion. 

Do you have any heroes? Pat Miletich and Dan Gable are two people I admire.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s great to get to compete against the best competition.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? For a year, and I quit after that year.

What was your job before you started fighting? Construction

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Miletich Fighting Systems brown belt 

Favorite grappling technique: triangle

Favorite Striking technique: elbow

•    8-4 since 2010

•    Estimated to have had close to 100 amateur fights in Iowa, losing only one.

•    Lost a five round war with Spencer Fisher via split decision in 2004.  The two later became close friends and training partners.

•    Defeated UFC vets Anthony Macias, Derrick Noble, and Forrest Petz in non-UFC bouts.

•    Only knocked out twice in 44 pro fights (by Pyle and Mark Miller)

•    22 wins by KO

•    7 wins by submission