Part 24 of our amateur MMA interview series.

For part 24 of our ongoing interview series with amateur MMA fighters, coaches and trainers we spoke with Boomer Brown. Boomer spoke with us about overcoming many life obstacles and what it takes to be a fighter.

Q: Thanks for speaking with us, Boomer. What is your current record?

My record at the moment is 1-1.

Q: Any fights coming up soon?

Yes, I have an upcoming bout in Culpepper, VA.

Q: Awesome. Good luck in your next bout. So at what point in your life did you realize you wanted to become a competitive Mixed Martial Artist?

Well to be honest I'm not 100% sure... LOL… But as a child I was always fascinated by the Steven Seagal, Jean Claude Van Damme, Bruce Lee movies and pro wrestling. (I wanted to be a wrestler. LOL) I did my first fight in 2008.. I lost. That was a hard thing to deal with but I used it to make myself better. Now it's my goal to be the best in the world.
 
Q: That's the right attitude! Have there been any challenges in your life that you’ve had to overcome in order to get where you are today?

I was born 3 months 2 days premature. I dropped to 1.2 lbs. Had double hernia surgery at birth. My lungs collapsed 7 times at birth. Suffered the passing of my Uncle Mike right after my H.S. Grad in 2004. Suffered the loss of my only child in 2008. It's a day-to-day struggle. Those things you don't forget and they can plague your mind at times but if you can use that as motivation and turn it into positive energy it will be much easier.
 
Q: Holy cow! It's amazing that you've overcome so much. Many people would have given up. It's fantastic that you still have the inner drive to keep going. Is there a current MMA star you like to pattern yourself after?

Probably Bas Rutten. Modern day? I would say Anderson Silva.
 
Q: Where do you train?

I train at a building I rent in Wheelersburg, Ohio with a group of people that are close to me. I also have trained and will be training again at Stephens Vale Tudo in Flatwoods, KY.

Q: Care to make a shout out to any of your instructors or training partners?

First off, give a shout out to God for giving me the strength and allowing me to do what I love. Dennis King, he's pretty much my brother and always helps me train. Aaron Stephens at SVT, a really great guy, amazing BJJ instructor. My Dad for supporting me from day one of me doing martial arts.
 
Q: Has your fighting style evolved since you began training or have you stuck with a specific style throughout?

Very much so... I used to emulate pro wrestling matches way back in the day with all my friends and I was able to F-5 (Brock Lesnar's WWE finisher) a 275 lb. man and I'm only 5'11" and 195. I started karate in 2005. Dabbled in jiu-jitsu. I hated it at first because I wasn't very good. Now I love jiujitsu, wrestling and kickboxing... I love mma in general and I feel my fighting style evolves everyday.
 
Q: Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you get to where you are?

Yes, God, my uncle Mike, my parents, my brothers and sister. all my training partners past present and future, Dennis King, Jason Wharton, Aaron Stephens,  I would also like to thank BORN STRONGER for this interview.

Q: Anytime! Thanks for taking the time for answering our questions. One last question before you go. What advice would you give to other people looking to get into MMA, or any competitive sport, for that matter?

Never give up, never quit, reach for the stars and don't let anything stand in the way of your dreams. Dream big and always give 110%!