TUF Bio

Training: My typical day of training starts early in the morning with a run, then breakfast, followed by a 2hr session of either boxing jiu-jitsu or wrestling. Lunch, than weights for an hour or so. At six, a meal shake, then it’s a crossfit workout depending on the lifting routine. Then I finish up with another 2hr session of boxing wrestling or jiu-jitsu. Dinner, shower, sleep, repeat. 

When and why did you start training for fighting? I began training jiu-jitsu in 2001 after watching fights in my barracks room in the military, and once I got out the military I started fighting in April of 2005, mostly because I had competed in a lot of grappling tourneys and did fairly well. Then I met up with Jeremy Horn, watched a friend fight, and then started training. Five months later I took my first fight.

What ranks and titles have you held? Not super big on ranks or belt. I’m the 170 lb THROWDOWN Champion of Utah, I was ranked as a blue belt under Carlos Machado in 2002 but haven’t really competed in Brazilian jiu-jitsu since getting a blue belt, However I have been wrestling and submission wrestling under Jeremy Horn since 2004.

Do you have any heroes? My heroes are all those that have helped me accomplish all the things that I have set my mind to. All my close friends and family.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means everything to me to be able to compete in the UFC. I feel like the little kid that is slowly starting to realize his dream.

What was your job before you started fighting? I enlisted in the military straight out of high school. I was working in the Utah National Guard with the 19th Special Forces Group as an intel analyst.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? I never competed in amateur fights. I didn’t know there was such a thing till I was already a pro. Basically I jumped right in the deep end.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? 1st would be winning my first belt; 2nd would be being selected to compete on The Ultimate Fighter

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Carlos Machado.

Favorite grappling technique: Whatever wins a fight or grappling match!

Favorite Striking technique: Whatever puts a hurt on my opponent, but liver shots are always good.

Official website