TRAINING: I start with strength and conditioning at Xceleration sports training or hot yoga, then a swim and / or a run and some bag work. Little rest and some healthy eats, then finish the day at LAW MMA or Gracie Tampa South with wrestling, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and then I put it all together with MMA sparring or drilling.

When and why did you start training for fighting? It’s the ultimate competition, man vs man, no one to pass the blame to, no excuses. I fell in love with the martial arts lifestyle - Discipline, respect, loyalty, humility, hard work. 

Do you have any heroes? My father

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means I earned the right to test my skills and fight the best fighters in the world. 

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Criminology 

What was your job before you started fighting? Security, construction, I was the gym janitor, and I am in the Army reserves 

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 9-0 amateur record, Costa Rica lightweight champ, USAL lightweight champ

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Purple belt in BJJ

Favorite grappling technique: Triangle 

Favorite Striking technique: Spinning back kick