TRAINING: 8am mitt/pad work, 9am strength & conditioning, 10am pro practice

Thoughts on opponent, Chael Sonnen? Chael is a top competitor. He's going to come out and bring it. I need to be prepared to go three rounds at a high pace because he's built a reputation of out-conditioning and grinding his opponents. I'm really looking forward to this one.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in 2007. I needed to compete.

What ranks and titles have you held? 2001 NCAA Div. 1 National Champion Wrestler, 2 time NCAA All American – Oklahoma State

Do you have any heroes? My parents, Randy Couture, John Smith, and Jesus Christ.

What is your favorite technique?  Wrestling.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? This is an amazing opportunity for me and I look forward to showing my skills.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn?  I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State in Health Science.

What was your job before you started fighting?  I was a wrestling coach at UC Davis.

•    7-1 at middleweight

•    Win over Grove was UFC 112’s Fight of the Night

•    Was 2-0 in the WEC, stopping Chuck Grigsby and Ricardo Barros in the first round.

•    Six wins by KO / TKO

•    Standout high school football player

•    Got late start in MMA