Training: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I work Striking with Trevor Wittman at Grudge training center for 1 1/2 hours, strength and conditioning with Loren Landow at Steadman Hawkins, then I finish with Jiu Jitsu at Easton’s with Amal Easton. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday is team training - I spar and roll with the team.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started to train for fighting in 2006, doing amateur boxing and Jiu-jitsu competitions. I did martial arts when I was a kid because of my Dad, who is a 2nd degree black belt in Karate and Tae Kwon do. I was playing football at the Univ. of Colorado and started to pick up boxing and Jiu jitsu to stay in shape. I picked things up really fast and fell in love with it. I grew up watching the UFC with my older brother (Jay) and my uncle Charlie. It’s the pinnacle of the sport and it’s a dream come true to compete in the UFC.

What ranks and titles have you held? Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 2007 Colorado Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion, 2008 Colorado open BJJ absolute grand champion and heavyweight champion, 2009 Ring of Fire Heavyweight Champion

Do you have any heroes? My heroes are my Dad, Shane Carwin and Nate Marquardt

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? To fight in the UFC is a dream come true. It’s the pinnacle of MMA and only signs the world’s most elite fighters. It is an honor to be part of their organization.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to the Univ. of Colorado and earned a degree in Sociology

What was your job before you started fighting? I was teaching Boxing and doing personal training

Favorite grappling technique: My favorite technique is a flying arm bar

Favorite Striking technique: Superman punch