TRAINING: Rise at 5am, get some fuel into me, then out for my morning conditioning session (running or weights). Back home, I get myself and my girls sorted for school, then back to the gym for half 10 until after 12 for boxing. Lunch with the coach and Mark Godbeer (who can put the food away), then back home to pick my girls up and sort dinner. Then back to the gym for my evening session – the usual 2/3 hours - and home to bed to get a sleep to do it all the same the next day. 

When and why did you start training for fighting? I was dragged to a Jits class by a friend five years ago and found I was pretty good at holding half-naked sweaty guys to the ground. From there I started boxing a year later and had my first fight about that time, winning with a triangle choke.

What ranks and titles have you held? As an amateur, I held British and Scottish LHW championships. As a pro, I held British, European and BAMMA world LHW titles. I was Abu Dhabi European world champion as Purple belt. Five-time Scottish BJJ champion. Five-time British BJJ champion. 

Do you have any heroes?  Arnold Schwarzenegger

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? When I stared training, I had no idea I would have been fighting on the biggest stage for MMA and it still doesn't feel real. I have sacrificed so much to get to this point, and it means so much to me and my team.

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

What was your job before you started fighting? I have been teaching personal development in high schools for the last six years. 

 

• Pro since 2013

 

• Eight wins by submission (3 triangle, guillotine, 2 armbars, brabo, undisclosed submission), one by KO

 

• Has finished all wins, seven in the first round

 

• Had 3-0 amateur record

 

• Origin of nickname – “Closely guarded gym secret.”