TRAINING: A typical day starts with a good run. Afterwards I spar either boxing or kickboxing. Later I work jiu-jitsu and takedowns. I lift weights late at night and try to eat as healthy as possible.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training when I was younger just because I didn’t have much else to do, and that’s what my brother (Nick Diaz) did.  I just went to the gym with him, he started fighting in the UFC, and I wanted to help him win fights so I did everything I could. I put on the gloves and sparred with him, and before I knew it I was getting a fight of my own.

What ranks and titles have you held? Black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, The Ultimate Fighter 5 winner

Do you have any heroes? Nick Diaz, Cesar Gracie, the entire Gracie family, and all my training partners on the Cesar Gracie Fight Team

What is your favorite technique? None

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I think it’s cool.  It’s been a dream for of mine for a long time to fight in a big show.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No

What was your job before you started fighting? High school student

•    Fight against Stevenson was awarded one of three Fight of The Night honors. Also received FOTN award for Cerrone, Davis, Guida, and Neer bouts

•    Won Submission of the Night award for Guillard, Pellegrino, and Gomi bouts

•    Fights against Neer (#8) and Pellegrino (#7) made UFC.com’s best of 2008 list; submission of Pellegrino was # 7 on the best subs of 2008 list. Finished at #9 on list of best fighters of 2008.

•    Finished all four of his TUF5 fights.

•    Made pro debut at 19.