Born and raised in the heart of Chicago's South Side, Taylor learned to defend himself from a young age. After being arrested at around age 16 for fighting a group of four gang members attacking him (and breaking an assailant's collarbone), Taylor was introduced to a high school wrestling coach and former Olympic alternate Ken Binge, by his pastor. Taylor, a sophomore at the time, later moved in with an uncle so that he could attend the school and compete. Highly talented, Taylor was a two-time state qualifier, and became the first competitor from a Chicago public school to compete in the state tournament. He later went on to wrestle for Lassen Community College in Susanville, California. At-then junior college powerhouse Lassen, Taylor was introduced to MMA and wrestled for two seasons before transferring to Eastern Illinois University. Competing at 174 lbs. under legendary former UFC champion and EIU coach Matt Hughes, Taylor excelled. Later, Taylor returned to Chicago to coach his former high school team, before transitioning to MMA at the age of 28.
Taylor had three amateur fights before making his professional debut in 2007 as a Light Heavyweight. Taylor compiled a record of 4-0 before debuting for Strikeforce.
Taylor was at the tryouts for The Ultimate Fighter 13 on November 4, 2010. He did not make the final cast to get onto the show which debuted on March 30, 2011.

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