TRAINING: I train at Reign Training Center in Lake Forest. The gym is owned by Mark Munoz and his wife Kristi Munoz. We have an amazing group of fighters and coaches.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I took up weight training when I was 16 years old and eventually got into bodybuilding.  From bodybuilding I switched to professional wrestling and worked on my craft for 2 years.  During a wrestling training camp in Calgary, Alberta, Canada I met Bad News Brown (a wrestler from the WWE).  He showed me an armbar and a kimura and I was immediately hooked.  When I returned home I searched for the best Jiu Jitsu gym in town and quit professional wrestling.  I participated in a few grappling tournaments and had my first MMA fight 6 months later.

What ranks and titles have you held? TKO Heavyweight Champion out of Montreal, Quebec in 2006, ICC Heavyweight Champion out of Minneapolis, MN in 2004

Do you have any heroes? No.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Every fighter involved in MMA has one goal: make it to the biggest and best organization in the world.  I have been training and fighting for over 5 years with this dream and it is finally becoming a reality.  I can’t wait for this huge opportunity.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn?  I was pursuing a degree in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Manitoba.  I was not very studious and relinquished my studies after 2 years.

What was your job before you started fighting? I’ve had several jobs prior to and during my MMA career.  Until recently I was an MMA promoter in Canada and I once worked as a houseman at a Fairmont Hotel.  I have also worked for Coca Cola as a driver and I used to load trucks at Gardewine North in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Favorite grappling technique: The Kimura.  It’s a great submission that I can attempt from all angles.

Favorite Striking technique: Up-Down-Up. Jab to head, cross to body, hook to head.

•    Was most experienced member of TUF 8 cast, with 25 pro fights.

•    Rematch with Bonnar was UFC 116’s Fight of the Night

•    Has finished two of six post-TUF wins via submission (kimura)

•    Three fight winning streak leading up to TUF8.

•    Nine submission wins, seven wins by KO/TKO.

•    Has faced UFC vets Reese Andy, Dan Christison, Mike Whitehead, Icho Larenas, Mike Kyle, and Matt Horwich.  Also fought heavyweight contender Ben Rothwell twice.