TRAINING: Strength/Conditioning followed by Wrestling or BJJ in the afternoon and live Sparring or Pad/Bag work at night.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in MMA six months before the UFC reality show.

What ranks and titles have you held? I’m a three time NCAA national wrestling champion and two time world champion for freestyle wrestling

Do you have any heroes? My grandfather

What is your favorite technique? Cobra choke

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s a dream come true

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to RIT in Rochester NY, and obtained an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.

What was your job before you started fighting? Bouncer and Electrician

•    An inspirational figure to deaf athletes around the world

•    Was coached by Ortiz on TUF3, then defeated him at UFC 121

•    Win over Jardine was Fight of the Night

•    KO of Munoz was UFC 96’s Knockout of The Night

•    Was a favorite to make it to the TUF3 finals before sidelined by an injury

•    His loss to Bisping was one of the most controversial UFC decisions in recent history

•    Is the subject of a movie about his life.

•    Five wins by TKO / KO

•    Has fought four world champions (Franklin, Jones, Ortiz, Jackson)