Training: A typical day of training would be doing my strength and conditioning in the morning. In the afternoon I would spar my striking mixed with wrestling.  Another day would be to train my ground in the morning, and in the afternoon do some pad work mixed in with takedown defense.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I've just always loved fighting sports: Started Wrestling age 10. Started Tae Kwon Do age 12. Started Jiu-jitsu age 20. Started boxing and Muay Thai age 24.

What ranks and titles have you held? Ironheart Crown light heavyweight champ/Total Fight challenge light heavyweight champ / 2002 and 2004 Chicago Golden Gloves Super Heavyweight Champ

Do you have any heroes? Arnold, Bruce Lee, Aaron Pryor, Hugh Hefner.

What is your favorite technique?  The punch to the face.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I’m doing something I never dreamed possible.

What was your job before you started fighting? Personal Trainer/Student. Recently, my best friend and I, Tom Scully, founded a company called N Guage with the help of artist Joe Morris. Scully wanted to hang something on his wall to commemorate my fight with Forrest, but nothing like that existed. So Joe Morris helped us create the American Classic piece. We realized the potential of making art pieces for classic fights, top fighters and events.