TRAINING: Mornings - either strength/cardio at SOS or mitts with Kru Mark
Nights- either team practice at Sityodtong Boston or grappling at Professional Martial Arts Academy in NH under Professor Tim Bachard

 

Thoughts on opponent, Leonardo Santos? I think Santos is a very good fighter with a lot of heart. He has a very good Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background. He throws crisp punches and has decent takedowns. He has shown himself to tire in fights but I would imagine he is addressing that issue. He is always dangerous and even when he seems tired, he still finds a way to get the job done. I am very confident in my skill set and think that there are openings that I can take advantage of. With this being a shorter camp because of the short notice fight I will have to concentrate on exploiting his mistakes instead of trying to force them. If I fight to the ability I am capable of, I believe I will come out victorious. It should be a great fight for the fans.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training Jan 1, 2011. I started training because someone knew I liked to fight and invited me out to train. I walked into the gym thinking I was the baddest guy alive. After getting choked and submitted by a 125 pounder multiple times, I knew this was what I wanted to do. I hate losing and I knew right then that this was my dream.

What ranks and titles have you held? None

Do you have any heroes? I would not call them heroes but I would say that I look up to them. I am a big GSP fan because of how dominant he has been in all aspects of the sport. I love the timing he has and how he always keeps his opponent guessing.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means that I have the opportunity to prove to myself that I belong with the elite fighters in this sport. The best fighters fight for the UFC and now I can get one step closer to my big goals. The hard part just got started.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to NDSU and dropped out because I was never motivated by academics but only by athletics.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was cleaning carpets in St. Cloud, MN. Great people but I am glad I found MMA.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition: MN knockout of the year award in 2011

Specific accomplishments in pro competition: MN fighter of the year award in 2012

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Brown belt under Brock Larson since November 2014, Blue belt nogi world champ

Favorite grappling technique: Guillotine and kimura

Favorite striking technique: Jab

• Pro since 2012

 

• Seven wins by submission (1 RNC, 1 inverted triangle, 3 kimura, 1 guillotine, 1 keylock)

 

• Five first round finishes

 

• Owns January 2013 decision win over UFC vet Phillipe Nover