TRAINING:  Go to work, coach wresting and get a little bit of a workout with the high schoolers, drive to one of three gyms I work out at, warm up, pads or shadowbox, grapple, kickbox, wrestle, or sparring, conditioning, go home, eat, and sleep.

When and why did you start training for fighting?  When I was at EIU, Hughes was champ and he wrestled at EIU, so we would watch all of the UFCs.  So I got interested in MMA at school but I really didn’t start until after I graduated.  So I’ve been training about three years.

What ranks and titles have you held?  Madtown Throwdown Champ

Do you have any heroes?  My Dad.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC?  I think it’s every fighter’s goal to get into the UFC, so to finally be here feels great.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn?  Eastern Illinois University; a Bachelors Degree in Career and Technical Education

What was your job before you started fighting?  I teach woods and drafting at Metamora Township High School

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition?  Three-time NCAA Division I wrestling tournament qualifier.

Ranks in any martial arts styles:  Black belt in wrestling

Favorite grappling technique: I like to be in side control.

Favorite Striking technique:  Dirty boxing