TRAINING: My typical day of training involves some pad work. I've been focusing on sharpening up my striking these last few months. I get in some BJJ drilling a couple times a week and live spar once a week.

 

When and why did you start training for fighting? I got into MMA in May of 2005, because I wanted to compete again and I was bored with going to work and coming home everyday.

Do you have any heroes? My parents and my siblings, they are all amazing people.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? To me, it means I really need to start working even harder.  I'm fighting for the organization that I have always wanted to, and I plan on staying for a long while.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to Virginia Tech, but never completed my degree.

What was your job before you started fighting? I did construction with my father and brother.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition?  I have held five different titles in organizations on the East Coast.

 

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Black belt in BJJ

Favorite grappling technique: Any choke

Favorite striking technique: Straight left cross

• Has 7-4, 1 NC record in his last 12 bouts

• Brother Dan is a UFC veteran

• Loss to Maynard in 2009 broke an eight-fight winning streak.

• Ten first round finishes

• Only pro losses are to Michael Chiesa, Diego Sanchez, Beneil Dariush, Donald Cerrone, Nate Diaz, Frankie Edgar, Gray Maynard and Benson Henderson

• 14 wins by submission (2 Guillotine, 3 armbar, 5 RNC, arm triangle, kneebar, 2 triangle), four by KO

• Received Jiu-Jitsu black belt in July 2010 from Jamie Cruz.

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