TRAINING: A typical day of training is two sessions, one in the morning and one in the evening. They are a combination of kickboxing, boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, strength and conditioning, and mental talk.

When and why did you start training for fighting? When I was younger, I loved doing martial arts, and then I started wrestling and competing and everything just fell together. It was definitely the right path for me.

What ranks and titles have you held? Black belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Carlos "Caique" Elias and black belt / Founder of Jury Jiu-Jitsu.

Do you have any heroes? God

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? My dreams are coming true and I’m one step closer to becoming a champion one day.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to Oakland Community College for a little bit, but then I stopped going there because of training.

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked at the Detroit Zoo

Favorite grappling technique: Jury Jiu Jitsu

Favorite striking technique: Knee to the face

• Team Cruz member on TUF 15

• Was on season 13 of TUF before being forced off due to injury

• Pro since 2005

• Has finished 12 of his 15 wins, three by submission (guillotine, neck crank, armbar), nine by knockout

• 11 first round finishes

• Origin of nickname: “My nickname was given to me when I was younger. It rhymes with my last name and represents my fighting style.”