TRAINING: I start my morning off with hard strength and conditioning with Jarret Aki, followed by Jiu-Jitsu with John Crouch or mitt work with Hanshi Nico/Randy Steinke. I have a short break for lunch before I come back for Elite practice, where I train hard with some of the best fighters in the world.

 

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in 2009. I started because I just enjoyed the challenge of man vs. man, putting their abilities to the test to see who comes out on top.

What ranks and titles have you held? DFC 185-lb belt. Ranked #2 at 170lb in MN (mnmmanews.com)

Do you have any heroes? My dad

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means one of my dreams has come true. All the hard work is paying off. After all the sacrifices me and my family have made, it is a huge accomplishment for me and my family and I'm here to stay.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No

What was your job before you started fighting? Building grain bins in the Midwest.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Blue belt in BJJ under John Crouch

Favorite grappling technique: Takedowns

Favorite striking technique: Punches in bunches

• Pro since 2009

• Eight wins by KO, two by submission (RNC, arm triangle)

• Three first round finishes

• Has won 9 of his last 10

• Owns 2012 win over TUF veteran Dane Sayers

• Origin of nickname: “I have quite a few nicknames that have been tossed around. But Bam Bam is the one that really stuck. My family would call me it when I was little because I used to go around wild and hitting stuff; guess I kinda looked like Bam Bam from The Flintstones. So when I started fighting they called me it and it stuck. Crouch says it matches with my fighting style.”