Thoughts on opponent, Ben Saunders? Ben Saunders is awesome, a tall guy with good striking and clinchwork. It’s going to be a good test for myself, and his chin. I am not going to give him any respect when we fight. Winning this fight will definitely put me in the top 10 tier, and make for bigger opportunities.

Training: Strength and Conditioning early morning, about 45 mins 3 days a week. I alternate Kickboxing and Boxing 6 days a week. Sparring with pro boxers twice during the week. I am also an asst. coach for the University of Nebraska at Omaha Mavericks wrestling team, so I am there every day at 3. I finish my day with jiu-jitsu at 7 until 8:30. Then ice bath with 40 lbs of ice for 15 min, twice a week, kicking and screaming inappropriate words.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training about 5 years ago, after watching my buddy fight in a local promotion, the Victory Fighting Championships. I was hooked ever since.

What ranks and titles have you held? I hold the Victory Fighting Championships welterweight title, 2 time IFC world welterweight champion.

Do you have any heroes? My Brothers Joe and Adam, My parents and My Uncle Stu.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I get to showcase my skills against the best fighters in the world.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to the University of Nebraska at Omaha for 3 years, where I studied psychology and was an assistant coach for wrestling.

What was your job before you started fighting? Before fighting I was a full time college student and a former Marine.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? KO'ed MMA legend Jose "Pele" Landi

Ranks in any martial arts styles: I train Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under Rodrigo Vaghi and have a Blue belt in BJJ.

Favorite grappling technique: Chokes

Favorite Striking technique: Uppercut