Starks was born in Pomona, California and attended Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix, Arizona. At Mountain Pointe, Starks competed in wrestling, football, and track and field. Talented, Starks earned a total of ten varsity letters and won a state championship in wrestling. Starks later attended Mesa Community College where he competed in football and track and field until 2002 when he transferred to Arizona State University.[1] At Arizona State, Starks competed for the school's NCAA Division I wrestling team alongside former UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez and had a third-place finish in the PAC 10.[2]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Starks made his professional MMA debut in 2009 and fought primarily for the Rage in the Cage promotion in Arizona. He quickly amassed an undefeated record of 7-0 during the first two years of his career before joining the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Starks made his UFC debut less than two weeks removed from his last fight as a short-notice replacement for injured Brad Tavares against fellow UFC newcomer Dustin Jacoby at UFC 137.[3] He won the fight via unanimous decision (30-27, 30–27, 30–27).
Starks next faced Ed Herman on February 4, 2012, at UFC 143.[4] He lost the fight via submission in the second round.
Starks next faced Yoel Romero on April 20, 2013, at UFC on Fox 7.[5] He lost the fight via KO in the first round and was subsequently released from the promotion.[6]
Bellator MMA
In September 2013, Starks made his debut for Bellator MMA. He faced Joe Yager at Bellator 100 and won the fight via unanimous decision.
Starks faced Kobe Ortiz on September 26, 2014, at Bellator 126.[7] He won the fight via submission in the second round.
World Series of Fighting
Starks made his debut at WSOF 19. He was originally scheduled to face Eddie Arizmendi on the card. However, a last minute card change the day of the event led to Starks facing Jake Heun on the main card. He won the fight via submission in the second round.
