TRAINING: Sparring/grappling at 9:30am Mon-Fri. Strength and conditioning at 1:00 Mon-Wed-Fri. Pads and technique at 5:30.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I've always been interested in combat sports, and when I was 15 I decided to look for a place to train.  I found the school I'm with now, and I just fell in love with the sport.

What ranks and titles have you held? Former nterim UFC welterweight champion, WEC Welterweight Champion

Do you have any heroes? Tyler Sanchez and Tim Mullens

What is your favorite technique? Knees to the jaw

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC is a chance to make my mark, to compete with the best in the world, and hopefully write my name in MMA history.

 

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No college 

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked as a bouncer for a while and I was a lifeguard for a couple years. Now I teach at the gym.

• Has won eight of his last 14

• 13 wins by submission (5 armbar, guillotine, triangle armbar, kimura, 3 RNC, 2 arm triangle), 15 by knockout

• Last welterweight champion in WEC history. Went 5-0 in the organization, defeating Kyle Jensen, John Alessio, Brock Larson, Carlo Prater, and Hiromitsu Miura.

• Has faced Jake Shields, Frank Trigg, Renato Verissimo, Brandon Melendez, Pat Healy, and Koji Oishi in non-UFC / WEC bouts.
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