Fighters in the fast-paced mixed martial arts world often have stories that help shape their career. Mike, the Couch Warrior host, recently spoke with Connor Matthews. Matthews was a Dana White Contestant Series 2023 Week Ten contract winner, and a young UFC fighter. Matthews revealed his early martial art journey, his service in the military and his triumphant return into the Octagon.
Connor Matthews talks about his early MMA exposure and rise to UFC
Matthews began studying martial arts at an early age. He studied American Kempo, Taekwondo and Jiu-Jitsu. His initial exposure came through his older brother’s interest in martial arts, which inspired young Matthews to follow suit. Since he was five years old, Matthews has been seeking out opportunities to train. He developed a passion for martial arts that will shape his future.
Matthews, then 18, had his first MMA battle. He describes the experience as adrenaline-fueled and nerve-wracking. Matthews compared his initial rush to his first parachutist jump in the military.
“I would say there’s like two times in my life where I had almost a blackout from being on such an adrenaline…
