TRAINING: I train in the morning and train in the afternoon. I mix it up between MMA sparring, grappling, striking, wrestling, or strength and conditioning. The morning training session is usually lighter and more technical, and the afternoon is more intense. Sometimes I will do a third workout, depending on the training that day and what I need.

  

When and why did you start training for fighting? My college wrestling team at Central Washington University was cut in 2004. That's when I met my wrestling teammate Matt Lininger, who happened to be Dennis Hallman’s cousin. Matt introduced me to MMA and Dennis and I started fighting in spring of 2004. Then a year later I started training with Rich Guerin out of Yakima, WA.

Do you have any heroes? Jesus Christ and my mother

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means everything to me. MMA is my life and the UFC is the Pinnacle of the Sport.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to North Idaho College for 1 year and Central WA University for 3 1/2 years for Exercise Kinesiology

What was your job before you started fighting? Full-time student and College wrestler.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Veteran of the Sport - EliteXC, Strikeforce, WEC Veteran.

Favorite grappling technique: Taking the back RNC

Favorite striking technique: Left hook

• Eight UFC fights at bantamweight (5-3)