TRAINING: My typical training day is a full day at Jackson's gym, training with heavyweights and lightweights to get strength and speed, and a ton of BJJ in the gi at Gracie Barra NM.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started karate lessons at nine years old. Years of martial arts training aided my athletic pursuits at Del Norte High School as a wrestler and on the high school gridiron as a linebacker. In my senior year in 2000, I won the state championship in the 152 lb weight class and etched my name amongst the best ever grapplers in school history.

What ranks and titles have you held? I am a black belt in Gaidojutsu and the former KOTC Welterweight Champion. I have also won multiple grappling championships. Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Ultimate Fighter season one winner.

Do you have any heroes? Rickson Gracie.

What is your favorite technique? Rear naked choke.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It's just another step up in my career.

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked at UPS.

•    Has won eight of his last 13 fights

•    Won Fight of the Night awards for bouts against Kampmann, Stevenson, Guida, and Thiago

•    Received his black belt in BJJ in October of 2013 from Roberto Tussa

•    Winner of the middleweight division of The Ultimate Fighter’s first season