ANSWER: I started training in 1999 at six years old in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I began training for my first fight in 2015 to pursue my dream of becoming one of the best in the world.

ANSWER: Three to four sessions daily. Typically two grappling sessions, one striking session, and one strength and conditioning sessionWhat ranks and titles have you held?I held two amateur titles, but my proudest rank is my black belt in Jiu-Jitsu.Do you have any heroes?My heroes are John Hassett, my lifelong Jiu-Jitsu Instructor and one of the best men I’ve ever known, and Chris Goude, my boxing coach, one of the toughest and smartest people I know. He is a cancer survivor and pushes hard every day to be able to train me.What would it mean for you to fight in the UFC?It would mean everything for me to prove that I can fight at the highest level and make a living for my family.Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn?I went to college and was two semesters away from a degree in Exercise Science, but dropped out when I began fighting.What was your job before you started fighting?I was a kids’ Jiu-Jitsu coach and worked in a warehouse unloading trucks.Specific accomplishments in amateur competition?USFFC Lightweight Champion, NY State ChampionFavorite grappling technique:Rear naked chokeFavorite striking technique:Anything involving footwork/head movement