TRAINING: Typical days start with a morning practice at Jackson-Wink MMA with some MMA training. Then it's swimming, then strength and conditioning at Elevate PHW. The afternoon is usually pad work with Brandon Gibson followed by some wrestling training out at The BMF Ranch for some super D wrestling with Jafari Vanier.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training late 2002. I was playing rugby league and was looking for something to do in the off season when a friend asked me to come along and try MMA. I didn’t know what it was at the time but agreed to go along anyway.  Two weeks after my first training session I was asked if I would like to have a fight, then two weeks after that I had my first fight.

What ranks and titles have you held? Australian middleweight champion and welterweight champion, TUF Nations Team Australia coach

Do you have any heroes? Steve Irwin and my Mum

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means the realization of a dream for me to be able to compete at the highest level of our sport.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? N/A

What was your job before you started fighting? My previous job was as a security guard at Australia zoo

Favorite grappling technique: Triangle choke

Favorite striking technique: Left hook

 

• Has 3-3 record at welterweight in the UFC

• Team Liddell member on TUF 11

• Nine wins by KO, seven by submission (4 RNC, 2 triangle, kneebar)

• Loss to Herman snapped five fight winning streak

• Defeated former UFC lightweight contender George Sotiropoulos via decision in 2005; lost to Sotiropoulos via decision in 2006 rematch.

• Has 2007 draw against Hector Lombard; also faced UFC vet Scott Smith in 2008.

• Worked as a security officer for the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin.