Training: On a typical day I’ll usually grapple, train jiu-jitsu and wrestling for about an hour in the morning.  Do focus mitts for ½ hour, ground and pound bag for 10-15 minutes, and then do cable sprints and cable sprawls.  I usually work out 2-3 times a day.  Every day varies though.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started wrestling at age seven.  I wrestled for the Minnesota All Star team and placed in national and state tournaments 10 times. I watched the first UFCs with Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock and I started practicing judo for a while and then I found the school where I train now, the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy. I started training in shoot wrestling and then I started competing as an amateur a few years ago. While watching the UFC, I thought it would be great thing to do.  But honestly, I never thought I would actually fight in it.

What ranks and titles have you held? Former UFC Lightweight Champion

Do you have any heroes? When I was younger, I used to really look up to my older brother.  He was a good wrestler in high school, and college, and he taught me a lot.

What is your favorite technique? Side choke as far as submissions. On my feet, I like to throw punches and go into takedowns.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means me getting up everyday and training 3-4 times a day, living and breathing this sport it’s a 24 hour a day 7 day a week commitment.

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

What was your job before you started fighting? I was a machinist at a factory for 2 years when I first started fighting.  The guys there used to call me Rocky because when I was training for a fight I would go outside during my lunch break and run, do sprints and push dumpsters back and forth in the parking lot.  They probably thought I was nuts!!!  Huh, maybe I am?