TRAINING: Sparring or grappling in the morning, followed up at night by strength & conditioning or pad work.

When and why did you start training for fighting? After I finished my college wrestling career I still had the desire to compete and MMA seemed like the perfect option for me.

What ranks and titles have you held? 2x Division I All American for the University of Iowa and Ring of Combat MW champ

Do you have any heroes? My high school wrestling coach Jay Hoskey and my college wrestling coach Jim Zalesky.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s the biggest stage in the world. It has taken a lot of years and hard work to get here.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? BA in Health and Sports Studies

What was your job before you started fighting? I was a wrestling coach at the University at Buffalo and Indiana University. I am still a personal trainer for LA Fitness.

If any, list ranks in any martial arts styles: Blue belt in BJJ

Favorite grappling technique: North/South choke

Favorite Striking technique: Left Hook

•    TUF 7 veteran

•    Five wins by KO, six by submission

•    Pro since 2006

•    Owns wins over UFC vets Dante Rivera and Johnny Rees

•    Has also faced Luke Rockhold

•    Lost 2009 decision to Pierce