TRAINING: 2-3 sessions a day with the Team at AKA San Jose.

When and why did you start training for fighting? My Mom bought me a membership to a Tae-Kwon-Do gym when I was eight years old so that I could kick butt like the Karate Kid. I have just progressed from there. Tae-Kwon-Do to Kickboxing, Kickboxing to Muay Thai Kickboxing, Muay Thai Kickboxing to Jiu-Jitsu, then Jiu-Jitsu to MMA.

What ranks and titles have you held? The only title that matters to me is the UFC title and I'm not stopping until I get it!

What ranks and titles have you held? The only title that matters to me is the UFC Middleweight title and I'm not stopping until I get it!

Do you have any heroes? Yeah, too many to name. I am the type of guy who can find inspiration in anything.

What is your favorite technique? Punches In Bunches! Better Look Out!

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? EVERYTHING! It's what I have always wanted and I feel it is my home now. And in order for me to leave someone is gonna have to kick me out. Good Luck.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I just took some classes, nothing serious.

What was your job before you started fighting? I owned a pressure washing company. I have also waited tables, sold cars and worked as a bouncer/bartender.

•    Loss to Hardy was his first defeat since 2007

•    Won his first four UFC fights in a combined 5:10.  

•    Has seven wins by KO or TKO

•    Fought at 205 on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter.

•    Purple belt in jiu-jitsu under Dave Camarillo