He’s a former mixed martial artist who first made a name for himself as a standout competitor in the World Extreme Cagefighting scene. Known for his explosive fighting style, he eventually transitioned to the big leagues, making his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut in January 2012. And right out of the gate, he impressed—earning the Knockout of the Night bonus in each of his first two UFC bouts. Before all the fame and spotlight, though, he was just a determined athlete playing football at Merced College, honing his discipline and strength on the field. Outside the cage and away from the fights, he shares a close bond with his sister, Lynell, who has been a constant support throughout his journey. His rise in the MMA world wasn’t overnight, but every step—from college football to WEC and then UFC—helped shape the fighter he became.
After suffering a serious knee injury during a WEC bout, he stepped away from mixed martial arts and spent some time working as a Budweiser delivery driver. It was a quiet chapter in his life, but eventually—about two and a half years later—he made the decision to come back to MMA. His return wasn’t just a comeback; it showed his true dedication to the sport. He had always been driven, and that fire never really went out. So when he finally laced up the gloves again, people took notice. His journey, marked by resilience and determination, proved that setbacks don’t define a fighter—how he responds does. And in the end, he proved exactly that.