TRAINING: I cover every aspect of the game. A normal day includes one or two of the MMA disciplines, and a strength and conditioning session. Then, once all the work is done, a nice drive home.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I had graduated college and was teaching high school Spanish. I needed to compete again, so with my collegiate wrestling base, I looked to MMA.

What ranks and titles have you held? NCAA DI Top Twelve Finish, Ring of Combat Tournament Champion, Valley Fight League Welterweight Champ, Season I Champion of Spike TV's "Pros vs. Joes"

Do you have any heroes? None

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It is truly a dream come true. I vividly remember stating to my college friend three years ago, before I started fighting, "One day I will fight in the UFC."

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I have an undergrad degree in Secondary Ed./ Spanish from Lock Haven University, and a Master's Degree from East Stroudsburg Univ. in Mgmt. and Leadership / Sport Mgmt.

What was your job before you started fighting? Jr. and Sr. High School Spanish Teacher

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Div. I collegiate wrestler, Top 12 Finish in 2004

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt

Favorite grappling technique: G n P baby!

Favorite Striking technique: Kicks and knees

•    Training partner of the Miller Brothers in NJ

•    Only pre-UFC loss was in 2008 via decision to UFC welterweight John Howard

•    Five wins by TKO, two by submission

•    Won season one of Spike TV reality show Pros vs Joes, competing against former pro athletes Darren Daulton, Herschel Walker, Dominique Wilkins, Brandi Chastain, and Goldberg

•    Other former schoolteachers who have competed in the UFC in recent years are Rich Franklin, Tim Hague, Mike Ciesnolevicz, Andy Wang, James Giboo, Yoshiyuki Yoshida, Jared Hamman, Tom Lawlor, Roy Nelson