New fighter takes MMA by surprise
Every once in awhile, a new athlete bursts onto the sports scene that takes everyone by surprise. There have been unexpected stories of overcoming adversities and achieving success that can’t help but make you smile and think, “Well, maybe if he could do it, then so can I!”
Plenty of fighters make their professional Mixed Martial Arts debut every year. Not many of them do it with just one arm.
Fighter Nic Newell has had to overcome a physical disability that he was born with in order to achieve his dreams of fighting for the UFC. Although his left arm ends after his elbow, he chooses not to wear a prosthetic.
Newell’s disability hasn’t deterred his will and determination to fight.
Newell, 23, faced his first professional lightweight fight on June 20 and defeated Dan Ford in a Cagefighting Xtreme event in Plymouth, Mass. Newell won by a technical knockout (TKO), three minutes into the first round. Before going professional, Newell had a 2-1 amateur record and has been turning heads ever since.
Previously, Ford’s professional record was 1-2, according to mixedmartialarts.com.
Former National Amateur Fight League 155lb championship winner Newell may have a disadvantage when it comes to fighting, but he doesn’t think of it in that way.
“Regardless of whether I have a disability or not, I always want to win and be the best,” Newell said in an interview with Fanhouse. He attributes his success to determination, ability to adapt to adversity and perseverance to achieve his dreams.
He also stated that throughout his career, he hopes to show that people with disabilities can be successful, and to not give up on your goals.
Before fighting in MMA events, Newell was an all-state high school wrestler and won over 150 matches. Newell also captioned the team. After high school, he went on to wrestle in college at Western New England College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communication.
He became interested in MMA after he saw the sport on television and then went to witness it live.
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Tags: Amateur MMA Events, Dan Ford, Events, Fighting, knockout, Lightweight, Mixed Martial Arts, MMA, NAFL, Nick Newell, PA, UFC
