You don't really realize the effect those things have on you when you're growing up but then when you look back you can see how they molded you.

My parents were divorced and my dad was in the Marines. I lived in California until I was 10 then we moved to Bettendorf, Iowa when I was in the fourth grade. I had an older brother so it made it a little easier to adjust to things.

The sport in 2000 wasn't as big as it is now [in 2008].

A lot of military kids make a lot of moves but I only made the one, so it wasn't really an issue for me.

I just started training with the best fighters in the world trying to get better. I was a pretty good athlete so I did pretty well with the team and that gave me confidence that I would be able to compete with people.

I did start wrestling after I moved to Iowa, I think in the seventh grade. It's really a part of the Iowa culture so it's hard not to do it if you like sports.

I also watched boxing all the time and Tuesday Night Fights on USA and just kept hitting my heavy back in the garage.