Training:  It’s like going to hell and back! I have either pads or sparring in the morning, conditioning or strength training in the afternoon, and wrestling or jiu-jitsu in the evening. Long days!

When and why did you start training for fighting? I decided to train for competitive fighting back in 2002 after 14 years of traditional martial arts. The truth is, though, I started martial arts when I was a kid because I wanted to be just like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

What ranks and titles have you held? The Cage Warriors Light-Welterweight (73kgs) and Welterweight World titles.

Do you have any heroes?  My family is full of them.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC?  It means that all of my hard work has paid off and now I can prove myself amongst the best fighters in the world.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn?  I have a diploma in higher education in Art and Design and went on the University to do Contemporary Art but left after two years to pursue a career in mixed martial arts.

What was your job before you started fighting?  I was a fitness advisor and personal trainer.

Ranks in any martial arts styles:  1st Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and Purple Belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Eddie Bravo

Favorite grappling technique: ‘The East Coast Croc’

Favorite striking technique: Head Kick

---