I soon found the desire to compete to irresistible. And so in 1999 I went for it and competed in my first NHB fight. This was a tournament style competition, which I won after defeating two opponents. I piled up an impressive record of 17-0-1 before fighting Matt Hughes for the UFC welterweight title. Although I lost the fight I continued to train as hard as ever and went on a 12 fight winning streak finishing most of his opponents by submission. One of the highlights of my career was fighting in Pride Bushido 2 against Ryuki Ueyama, my Japanese fans gave me the nickname “Muscle Shark.” In Oct 2006 when I defeated Kenny “Kenflo” Florian to become the UFC Lightweight World Champion.

To win U.f.C 84 Watch my fight May 24

I am a husband to Heather and a father of two boys Kyler and Tegan.I have always found an affinity for Pitbulls, and regularly play with my dog Soco.

I began wrestling at a the young age of 7. Over my 11 year wrestling career I racked up over 400 matches. In the mid 90’s I began to dabble in martial arts. After discovering the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy, I began to study Boxing, Shoot Wrestling, and Muay Thai. I soon found that my wrestling background gave me a distinct advantage on the mat. My coach Greg Nelson, owner of the M.M.A.A., remembers that ”I was extremely tenacious and would never quit. ” In the year 2000 I continued my love for wrestling by hooking up with the St. Cloud State Wrestling team.

Since my first NHB fight until now I has set my sights high. Fighting in the Exrteme Challenge, King of the Cage, Pancrase, TKO, Extreme Challenge, The Ultimate Fighting Championship, and Pride Bushido. I have fought across the United States as well as in Canada , Mexico , and Japan. I truly enjoys competing and looks forward to competing against the best opponents the world over for as long as he can. I fight for Team X-Factor out of the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy. I am also available for personal appearances, movies, commercials, private lessons, personal training, and tailor made seminars.

I was given the nickname Muscle Shark while fighting in Japan. Not sure what is means but I thought it sounded good so I kept it.

Record: 36-2-1