TUF Bio

Training: A typical day of training starts at 1030 am at Greg Jacksons MMA. Greg mixes up the training each morning from ground, takedown, or striking technique to several rounds of live grappling or sparring in a full size cage. I've been working with taller, more lanky teammates like Donald Cerrone and Carlos Condit to help simulate Gugerty's height. Pretty much all of my teammates are taller than me anyway, so they all give me a good look for my opponent. (Laughs) We train in the early evening as well. It also varies from grappling to striking. I do my strength and conditioning 3 times a week.

When and why did you start training for fighting? In March of 2004. I started by accident, fighting an exhibition bout on a small Midwest show. I was going to watch my brother fight Adrian Serrano, they announced an opening for a NHB fight, and I thought my wrestling background would carry me through the fight. It almost did until I gave up my back and you know how the rest of the story goes. Oh yeah, and training kept me out of the bars and taverns.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Wrestled for 2001 Junior College National Champs at Harper College

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Former Strikeforce LW Champion
2X XFO LW Champion, Xtreme Kage Kombat LW Champion, Combat-Do LW Champion

Favorite grappling technique: Rear naked choke

Favorite Striking technique: Any technique that will get me a KO.

Do you have any heroes? Dan Gable and Joey Gilbert

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It is an honor, but most important is winning and trying to attain the lightweight title.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to Harper Junior College, and did not earn a degree.

What was your job before you started fighting? Union Carpenter, framer