FRUIT Bender has trained in various martial arts. He began training in
Tae Kwon Do from the age of seven. Bender also wrestled in high school and later, achieved a black belt in
Brazilian jiu-jitsu. As of 2012, Bender trains at Aguirre Fighting Systems and Millennia MMA, Bender also spends time working at the UFC gym. In February 2012, Bender fought Marlin Weiker at SCC 4. Throughout the fight, Bender attempted several guillotine chokes and other submission techniques, but was unable to finish the fight with any of them. After multiple attempts, Bender seemed to fatigue and appeared to be trailing on the scorecards according to some in attendance. Midway through the final round, however, Bender was finally able to complete a submission attempt, as he caught Weiker in a triangle choke. However, for unknown reasons, the bout never took place. ==Mixed martial arts record==