Introducing "The Ultimate Fighter Heavyweights": Darrill Schoonover

You already recognize some of names and faces from the upcoming season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” but there’s a lot you probably still don’t know about this group of 16 heavyweight warriors. Each weekday between now and the Sept. 16 premiere of “The Ultimate Fighter Heavyweights,” FIGHT! will introduce two cast members leading up to the introduction of our TUF bloggers.

Darill Schoonover
Age: 24
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 250 lbs
Hometown: El Paso, TX
Trains: Copperas Cove, TX with Fighters Forge Combat Sports
MMA Record: 10-0

A talented wrestler at Coronado High in El Paso, Texas, Schoonover began training in jiu-jitsu, judo, submission grappling and muay Thai at 17. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Army and began serving his country in September 2004. His stint included two years in Germany, one year each at Fort Hood in Texas and Fort Irwin in San Bernardino County, Calif. The former Air Defense Artillery specialist is now on active reserve and 11 professional fights under his belt including one no-contest. A well-rounded fighter, his victories include five by TKO and five by submission.

Despite his age, Schoonover is one of the more experienced mixed martial artists on the show having trained for nearly seven years. An aspiring history teacher, Schoonover temporarily dropped out of Central Texas College in Killeen in order to compete on the show.

To connect with Schoonover, visit his Myspace page.