Training: There is no typical day of training, because there is no such thing as a typical fight. Every day I push myself past my comfort zone. The only thing I can always be sure of is that the training will be a challenge. A challenge that I will overcome.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in South Carolina back in 2007 in small hole-in-the-wall gyms, and I did it because I loved it. I thought it was really cool and the closest thing to being a real-life ninja and not to go to jail for it. It was an awesome sport and gave me a great outlet.

What ranks and titles have you held? Conflict welterweight champion.
 
Do you have any heroes? My heroes are the people who selflessly support me and ask for nothing.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s a culmination of so many years of hard work and sacrifice. It’s a dream that was already coming true with me being able to come to American Top Team and fight to get to the top. And it’s just another part of a good dream that was already happening.

 
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No degree. I quit going to college so I could pursue martial arts full-time. I go to American Top Team University.

What was your job before you started fighting? Personal trainer.