TRAINING: Typical day is sprints or plyos in the morning, rest, weights 3X a week, and heavy sparring and grappling in the evening.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started in 1998 just because it looked fun and I knew some friends who where getting involved.  It was really just for fun at first.

Do you have any heroes? I can't say I have anyone I look at as a hero.  I have several people I look at and really respect and admire.   Those are the people I really listen to and think about what they say.  I feel anything they do or say is something I can learn from.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means I've been successful in what I've been trying to do.  It means I'm at the top of the MMA world right now.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to Indiana University and got a degree in Sports Management.

What was your job before you started fighting? Personal trainer.

Accomplishments in pro competition? Hook 'n Shoot title

Favorite grappling technique: Chokes

Favorite Striking technique: Punches

•    Has fought three UFC champions (Matt Hughes, Matt Serra, Dave Menne)

•    Holds 2001 win over 2006 PRIDE Welterweight Grand Prix winner Kazuo Misaki.

•    Fights with Ebersole, Burns, Taylor, Alves and Davis won Fight of the Night awards. KO of Bradley won KO of the Night award. Submissions of Gilliam and Foster won Submission of the Night award.

•    13-1-1 as a pro boxer from 2002-2005.  Made it into the WBC rankings at #35, and was considered for the boxing reality show ‘The Contender’.

•    Still works as a fireman.