This was my first pro mma victory. In 2011, I lost my pro mma debut against who many consider the best light weight contender in the State of Utah, Clay Collard. Just 19 years old he grew up wrestling and had 8 years competitive boxing experience. I learned that being competitive in mma requires not just athleticism but proper preparation. I took a year and a half off to gain competition experience in grappling, wrestling, kick boxing and find a coach/agent that would help me build a successful career to the bigger shows. Starting out as a fighter and the best local fighter being your first fight was my luck of the draw. I wasn't going to leave my career to luck anymore.

At first, I was apprehensive about posting my fight videos. My MMA Coach and I agreed that if the information gets out, other fighters can scout me and see my tendencies.  After careful prayer and meditation, I realized that FAITH not FEAR, is my guiding compass. At some point and time, when my goal is realized; people will know my game anyway. The object is to get better at what I do best and minimize what I don't do well.

If this fight were based upon a body building competition I would have won at the weigh ins. That being said, I'm not underestimating anyone. My opponent had 4 or 5 fights to my 1. The one I lost was to the number one light weight contender in Utah whose name is Clay Collard. I would have beaten him in a body building competition too. But looks can be deceiving....

I'll be posting my other fights and some training videos here shortly so you can see the evolution of my training and investment.

First thing this morning my strength and conditioning coach wakes me up with a phone call.

How's your weight and are you following the diet program I assigned you. This is the type of

coaching I appreciate. Someone trying to win with you not someone who takes

credit when win and blames you if you lose. Winning is a team effort and I'm glad Michael

Andam is on our team.

As I approach my next fight, I notice my emotions turning from disciplined action to aggression. I promised myself I would never get mad in a competition again. It isn't healthy and it's not the sport. Being able to compete at a high level takes level thinking. No doubt in my mind I have the ability to win, but some of you wanted to know, what goes through your mind before you fight? Is it fear, anger, anticipation....? What goes through my mind the most is the nay Sayers who said I would be too old to start and society that tried to put me in a box. Those are two motivating factors i haven't been able to shake. The main reason is, proving that there is a thing called faith. Because without faith, you might as well pack it in. I mean it folks. If you can't overcome the nay Sayers and your personal doubt, why take another breath. (Hebrews 11:1-40) God is either real or he lies. If you are a believer than believe that ALL things are possible if you are in Gods will.

 

Rope Work at Strive

Going to the next level, I incorporated a strength and conditioning program. I thought, simply training in my skills and running a couple times a week would do the trick. After my first pro loss, I realized, I needed help. I'm an athletic person and needed to sustain my ability throughout the fight, not just for 2-3 minutes.

 

Conditioning at Strive

Just being able to fight for 2-3 minutes is not enough. Having agility and balance enhance every aspect of an athlete’s game so when one performs the techniques, it can be done with maximum power and minimal effort.