TRAINING: Hard work. I train every day, twice a day

When and why did you start training for fighting? 2000. I’ve loved the UFC since the first show

What ranks and titles have you held? BJJ brown belt, Ring of Combat middleweight champion

Do you have any heroes? Mark Coleman

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s a dream come true, but it’s just the beginning.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Ulster County Community College

What was your job before you started fighting? Mechanical Assembly

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? NAGA champion, Grapplers Quest champion

Favorite grappling technique: D’arce choke, head and arm triangle

Favorite striking technique: Knees

•    Pro since 2009

•    Two wins by KO, two by submission

•    Four first round finishes

•    Owns 18 second submission win over TUF 19’s Patrick Walsh in May of 2013