When and why did you start training for fighting? I started at seven years of age. I was an angry child full of energy and was terrible at other sports. I only every wanted to fight, whether it be with toy swords, fists or toy guns. My father took me to my first gym at seven and I never looked back. I was training more than six days a week, sometimes more than once, at 10.
What ranks and titles have you held? Number 1 LW in Europe, number 5 WW in Europe, British National champion in judo, Welsh champion in judo, multiple BJJ regional & British championships, 3-0 as a professional boxer. Cage Warriors double champion - both lightweight world champion and welterweight world champion.
Do you have any heroes? Why have heroes when all you see is targets? If I had to have one, Sir Francis drake.
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Top of the UFC is the goal I set for myself a long time ago; in my mind I’m already the best in the world, I’ve just got to prove it.
What was your job before you started fighting? I had six months where I worked as well as trained when I came out of school before I picked up sponsorship so I could survive and train full-time.
Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Three times when I was 18 on a local show, then when my pro debut got cancelled due to medical issues, I took a short notice unified amateur fight and won in the first round via submission.
Ranks in any martial arts styles: BJJ black belt, judo black belt, kickboxing black belt, ex-professional boxer & avid TKD & Muay Thai fighter.
Favorite grappling technique: uri nagi
Favorite Striking technique: Nothing better than an old school crisp jab