TRAINING: 4am wake up, 5am leave for work, 6am start work, 6pm end work, 7pm come home, 7:30pm go to gym, 10:30 pm done gym, 11:30 sleep.

 

Thoughts on opponent, Chris de la Rocha? I think it’s a good fight for me. He’s a tough jits fighter who has notable wins. A win on May 29th would be great to add to the resume. I’m honored to fight him.

 

When and why did you start training for fighting? 2008. I needed something to challenge me and set goals for. I wanted to be a professional athlete my entire life.

 

What ranks and titles have you held? Only amateur titles for MMA - 3 titles in 3 different promotions.

 

Do you have any heroes? My father and every man and woman in the armed forces who defends this country.

 

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? A dream come true, a goal accomplished and a career to be proud of.

 

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went for a half a semester to play football, found out college was really expensive on your own as a 19-year-old, so I dropped out.

 

What was your job before you started fighting? It’s still my job. but I work as a pipeline technician.

 

Ranks in any martial arts styles: I wrestled since I was in 2nd grade

 

Favorite grappling technique: The one where he taps out

 

Favorite Striking technique: The one where he gets knocked out

• Pro since 2011

• Lost pro debut – unbeaten in eight fights since

• Six wins by KO, two by submission (Armbar, guillotine) – has finished all wins

• Five first round finishes

• Four wins in under two minutes

• Origin of nickname – “My coach said I looked and trained like a prototypical fighter, meaning the perfect being, and he gave me the nickname himself.”