Wrestled at Oregon State University & University of Illinois.
Received a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois and a master's degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He decided to leave the mental health profession to devote himself full-time to mixed martial arts.
American mixed martial artist and professional competitor since 1997. Has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has competed for the UFC, Strikeforce, Dream, Pride, M-1 Global, Impact FC, World Victory Road, and Cage Warriors.