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Training: For the first part of my camp I trained in Miami, FL with MMA Masters. A typical day out there was morning class that would either consist of drills, then standup sparring/or wrestling then Jiu Jitsu, then I would eat, nap then go to evening class, which would consist of drills and jiu jitsu, then after evening class we would do strength and conditioning. A few days a week I would get up early to do morning cardio before everything. For the last part of my camp I returned to Chicago to work with Team Top Notch and Carlson Gracie Team in Aurora. During this part of my camp I really focused on my conditioning with a lot of Pad work, Circuits, track sprints, Stair sprints, and continued with everything else as well.

 

When and why did you start training for fighting? After graduating college I still had the desire to compete and I have always been a fan of MMA.

 

What ranks and titles have you held? (I.S.C.F)International Sports Combat Association Lightweight Title, Division IIIAll-America honors at 157 pounds in wrestling. 2X CCIW Champion and national qualifier at 157 pounds. He was named the CCIW's "Most Outstanding Wrestler" during the 2003-04 season.

 

Do you have any heroes? My parents

 

What is your favorite technique? Whatever wins me the fight.

 

What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC? A dream come true

 

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I graduated from Elmhurst College in 2005 with a degree in exercise science

 

What was your job before you started fighting? Personal Trainer, Wrestling coach

 

Most memorable professional fight (who, where, why)? Rumble in the Park against undefeated Cal Ferry, my first title fight.

 

What was your most challenging professional fight (against who, when, what was the outcome)? Same as above. I won by submission in round 4

 

Did you compete in any other sport(s) at college or professional level (what sport, where, how long)?Wrestling at Elmhurst College from 2001-2005

 

Who were your training partners for this fight?My training partners for this fight were Luis "Baboon" Palomino (bellator), Frank Carillo (bellator), Pablo Alfonso (XFC, Strikeforce), Keoki Cypriano (bellator), Matt Collum (4X NAIA wrestling All-American), John Kelly (Strikeforce), Mike Santiago (XFO), Mark Vujovic (gracie nationals champ), Mike Benefiel (Division 1 Wrestler, National qualifier, 4X HS State Champ), I also traveled to different gyms in Chicago to Spar new opponents, and a handful of Jiu Jitsu black belts in Miami whose names I can’t pronounce :)

 

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 did not put more emphasis on a particular style for this fight. I train for all my fights the same, I get into the best shape I possibly can be in and try to get as well rounded in all aspects of the sport.

 

What, other than WINNING, are you using for motivation for the fight?Like always, I use my family as motivation for this fight. I want to make them proud. I know they will be proud of me no matter what the outcome of the fight is, but come on, who wants to be proud of a loser?

 

What is your favorite thing about this sport? My favorite thing about this sport is that anyone can beat anybody on any given day. 

 

How long do you see yourself staying in this sport? I want to stay in this sport as long as my body lets me.