TRAINING: Morning cardio and strength training. PM – sparring, technique and tactics

When and why did you start training for fighting? Mike Ciesnolevicz, who was my roommate in college and is my best friend, called me and asked me what kind of shape I was in and if I would consider doing an amateur MMA fight in August of 2006. I have been involved in competition my whole life so I wanted to give it a shot. I mauled my first two opponents in under two minutes. I then began training specifically for MMA and had my first pro fight in October of 2006.

Thoughts on opponent, Johny Hendricks? Johny is a tough guy. He has an impressive resume and has competed and won at the highest level of wrestling and MMA. He’s a former world champ with a dangerous left hand and he doesn't mind being involved in ugly, grinding fights. I also believe he is feeling quite comfortable with his move up in weight class.

What ranks and titles have you held? 4X state champion Wrestling, High School All-American (placed 4th).

Do you have any heroes? Dan Gable

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means everything. This is where every fighter needs to fight to prove themselves. The best fighters in the world fight in the UFC and those are the guys you need to mix it up with if you want to get to the top.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I graduated from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania with a degree in criminal justice.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was a social worker working with adolescents with behavioral issues. I also own a lawn & landscape business.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 4X State Champion Wrestling, H.S. All-American, 4 year varsity wrestler at LHU (NCAA Div 1)

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Reality Fighting Light Heavyweight Champion, Extreme Challenge Light Heavyweight Champion, Extreme Challenge USKBA Heavyweight Champion.

Favorite grappling technique: Body slam

Favorite striking technique: Any punch combo that ends with an uppercut.

• 14 fights at middleweight (8-6)

• 12-8 with 5 KOs, 2 subs in last 20 bouts

• 11-10 in UFC

• 12 wins by knockout, three via submission (3 guillotine). Brown win was his first decision victory.

• Knockout win over Heath was one of the most memorable fight endings in 2008.

• Only loss outside of the UFC came to former light heavyweight title challenger Vladimir Matyushenko via decision in a fight Boetsch took on short notice.

• Origin of nickname: “My fighting style and being a huge Arnold Schwarzenegger fan (Conan the Barbarian), and the name having a nice ring to it all led to me becoming ‘The Barbarian.’”