TRAINING: Conditioning in the morning and sparring at night

When and why did you start training for fighting? 2004, because I love the sport.

What titles have you held? ISCF East Coast Welterweight Champion

Do you have any heroes? I look up to and admire many people including (in random order) Lance Armstrong, Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning, Wanderlei Silva, Chuck Liddell and Floyd Mayweather. They’re the first names that come to mind, but I wouldn't necessarily consider them my heroes.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means that I have reached a goal that I set for myself, which is a great feeling. It reminds me that you really can do anything that you set your mind to doing. My next goal is to be a champion.

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

What was your job before you started fighting? Personal trainer

Favorite grappling technique: Triangle choke

Favorite striking technique: Flying knee

• Holds second round TKO win over Matt Arroyo in 2006 – he repeated the win over Arroyo at the TUF7 finale.

• Has also been in with UFC vet Pete Spratt

• Has only been the distance six times in his career (W3 Thompson, W3 Howard, L3 Kim, L3 Spratt, L5 Lawler, L3 Hendricks); has won all but two of his fights by KO or submission.

• 13 wins by KO; seven by submission (3 armbar, triangle choke, guillotine, neck crank, undisclosed choke)

• Known for his intensity

• Has lost four of his last five

• Origin of nickname: “My nickname is tattooed on my stomach, so a promoter named Aaron Crowell (RIP) gave it to me based on that.”