When and why did you start training for fighting? I have been training since I was a little kid at Tiger Schulmann’s. I loved the Karate Kid and Ninja Turtles growing up. When I came to my first class I just took to it and really enjoyed it so much. From there on, I knew I wanted to go somewhere big with it.
What ranks and titles have you held? I am a third-degree black belt in Tiger Schulmann's MMA. I have also won the King of the Cage, Ring of Combat and Cage Fury Fighting Championship belts and defended them.
Do you have any heroes? The Rock and
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means the world. It has been a dream that is finally coming true and I’m so excited for it.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Yeah, for a couple semesters, but I didn’t finish because I wanted to take my career further in fighting.
What was your job before you started fighting? I have been working since I was 13 years old at Tiger Schulmann’s, teaching adults and kids how to defend themselves and for adults to be in shape and for kids to learn self discipline where it can carry on to other aspects of their lives. As of right now, I am head instructor in our East 23rd location in NYC.
Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Won the New Breed belt, went 7-0 in MMA. In kickboxing, I went 4-0 and also won a title belt.
Favorite grappling technique: Any choke
Favorite Striking technique: The cross and hook
TRAINING: A typical training day is training from 10 to 12:30 in grappling or wrestling or kickboxing or a mix of both on Monday through Friday. From there, I get lunch and head to my school, where I teach a few hours and then hit my second training session, whether it's a run, bag work, or training with my students.
Do you have any heroes? The Rock and Georges St-Pierre