TRAINING: Lift at Westside Barbell in the morning, wrestle at OSU in the afternoon, train striking in the evening

Thoughts on upcoming opponent, Chris Cope? I have no thoughts on him. I know almost nothing about him except he got KO'd in his last fight and he will get KO'd in this fight.

When and why did you start training for fighting? 2004, because I love the sport.

What titles have you held? ISCF East Coast Welterweight Champion

Do you have any heroes? I look up to and admire many people including (in random order) Lance Armstrong, Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning, Wanderlei Silva, Chuck Liddell and Floyd Mayweather. They’re the first names that come to mind, but I wouldn't necessarily consider them my heroes.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means that I have reached a goal that I set for myself, which is a great feeling. It reminds me that you really can do anything that you set your mind to doing. My next goal is to be a champion.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No

What was your job before you started fighting? Personal trainer

Favorite grappling technique: triangle choke

Favorite Striking technique: flying knee

•    Holds second round TKO win over Matt Arroyo in 2006 – he repeated the win over Arroyo at the TUF7 finale.

•    Has also been in with UFC vet Pete Spratt

•    Has only been the distance three times in his career (W3 Howard, L3 Kim, L3 Spratt); has won all but one of his fights by TKO, KO, or submission.

•    Known for his intensity

•    Win over Howard broke three fight losing streak