When and why did you start training and fighting? My first fight was in 2007. I was born a fighter. I started looking into boxing before I found that I could get MMA training in my hometown. I went one day to check it out and that was a wrap – I fell in love with the sport.
What ranks and titles do you have? Former interim UFC lightweight champion. As an amateur I held two belts at 155lbs and I went 8-1. I actually won an 8 man tournament as an amateur in Iowa over the course of 2 days. As a pro I held three belts at 155lbs. I beat up everyone in my trailer park as well. Black Belt in jiu-jitsu. Also, I have a black belt in Rex Kwon Do and am the current and defending 3x thumb wrestling Champion of the world.
Do you have any heroes? Baby Jesus and the grown up one too.
What is your favorite technique? Neck chops probably.
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? This means everything to me and this is where I want to be. It’s where the most talented mixed martial artists showcase their skills and I think I belong here. I'm excited and I will start my climb of the featherweight division.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I got a Doctorate from the school of hard knocks.
TRAINING: Wake up determined. Go to bed satisfied.
When and why did you start training and fighting? My first fight was in 2007. I was born a fighter. I started looking into boxing before I found that I could get MMA training in my hometown. I went one day to check it out and that was a wrap – I fell in love with the sport.
What ranks and titles do you have? As an amateur I held two belts at 155lbs and I went 8-1. I actually won an 8 man tournament as an amateur in Iowa over the course of 2 days. As a pro I held three belts at 155lbs. I beat up everyone in my trailer park as well. Black Belt in jiu-jitsu. Also, I have a black belt in Rex Kwon Do and am the current and defending 3x thumb wrestling Champion of the world.
Do you have any heroes? Baby Jesus and the grown up one too
What is your favorite technique? Neck chops probably
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? This means everything to me and this is where I want to be. It’s where the most talented mixed martial artists showcase their skills and I think I belong here. I'm excited and I will start my climb of the featherweight division.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I got a Doctorate from the school of hard knocks.
What was your job before you started fighting? I collected aluminum cans and picked pecans.
When and why did you start training for fighting? When I was a kid, to be able to defend myself in an unarmed combat situation.
What ranks and titles have you held? Former UFC lightweight champion, former UFC featherweight champion (vacated belt), Cage Warriors 145lb Champion, Cage Warriors 155lb Champion consecutively, Brown Belt BJJ
Do you have any heroes? None, but I take inspiration from everyone and everything. I’m inspired by current champions, former champions, true competitors, people dedicated to their dream, hard workers, dreamers, believers, achievers.
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It is a lifelong dream to compete here. It truly shows me the power of visualization and the power of an unshakeable belief. It is just the beginning
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? None. I have a masters in unarmed combat.
What was your job before you started fighting? Plumber for 1 year, quit and pursued the combat dream ever since.
Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Boxing Champion
Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Twoweight champion, 3.5-second KO in professional Mixed Martial Arts
Ranks in any martial arts styles: Brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu