Training: I do Spinning in the morning. I do another mid-day session and an evening training session. What I focus on in those sessions varies from day to day. Three times a week I work with strength and conditioning coach Steve Maxwell. Twice a week, I work with Olympic Silver medalist Stephen Abas.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started karate lessons at nine years old. Years of martial arts training aided my athletic pursuits at Del Norte High School as a wrestler and on the high school gridiron as a linebacker. In my senior year in 2000, I won the state championship in the 152 lb weight class and etched my name amongst the best ever grapplers in school history.

What ranks and titles have you held? I am a black belt in Gaidojutsu and the former KOTC Welterweight Champion. I have also won multiple grappling championships. Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Do you have any heroes? Rickson Gracie.

What is your favorite technique? Rear naked choke.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It's just another step up in my career.

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked at UPS.