Blog

Article

Training: Wake up, eat, conditioning, eat, train, shower, eat, sleep, play with daughters, eat, teach, shower, eat, kiss wife good night and go to bed.

 

When and why did you start training for fighting? After wrestling in college I fell in love with Jiu Jitsu.  I competed and won just about every tournament I entered.  From Jiu Jitsu I transitioned to no-gi Grappling and then I started fighting Open-Hand-Style MMA fighting.  One thing led to another and I started fighting professionally in closed fist MMA.  That was back in 1999 when the sport was almost completely dead.

 

What ranks and titles have you held? Gracie Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under the Carlson Gracie Team, King of the Cage Champion, and Gladiator Challenge Champion.

 

Do you have any heroes?  I think my mom is my biggest hero.  She is a ridiculously strong woman that has stood by me my whole life and I love her very much.

 

What is your favorite technique? Whatever makes them tap.

 

What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC? It is a dream come true and a long time coming!  I feel I finally get to prove myself against the best fighters in the world

 

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Yes Associate of Arts Degree

 

What was your job before you started fighting? I used to stock shelves in a supermarket.

 

Most memorable professional fight (who, where, why)? I think it would have had to have been the Alberto Crane fight back in February 2003 in New Mexico.  I tore my ACL seconds into the fight and lost a split decision in his hometown.  I won more fans and learned more from that loss than any other victory in my career.  

 

Did you compete in any other sport(s) at college or professional level (what sport, where, how long)? I loved baseball.  I played on a city team until I was 21 or so.  

 

Who were your training partners for this fight? All the guys at CSW in Fullerton and from the Gracie Academy in Torrance. Both gyms have been very crucial during my training - they all have made themselves available for me and that was very important.

 

Did you put more emphasis towards a fighting style or adjust your training to prepare for your opponent (what did you do differently/why)? I usually come into my fights prepared for anything that someone can come and throw at me, and I have been in the game for a while so I have molded my training into anything can happen.....I have worked on my conditioning since leading up to the Pulver fight at Lou's Training System and I have never been so well conditioned going into fights like I am now. I also worked on my boxing with Oscar Muniz, MMA with Erik Paulson and JJ with my in-laws Ryron, Rener and Ralek.

 

What, other than WINNING, are you using for motivation for the fight? I wake up every day thinking how lucky I am, having amazing friends and family, 3 beautiful young daughters that are discovering life, and last but not least being married to my best friend, that with her unconditional love for me puts everything in her life aside so I can do what I love. If that is not enough motivation I am not sure what is.

 

What is your favorite thing about this sport? The Chess Game.  You can beat someone who might be a better fighter with a great strategy, technique and your brain not your brawn 

 

How long do you see yourself staying in this sport? Until someone can prove to me that they are better than me!!!!!