MMA fans need to keep an eye on this up and coming middleweight

In the constantly evolving Mixed martial arts (MMA) world, emerging talent is always in sight. Among these rising stars is Reese Watkins, an up-and-coming middleweight fighter who is making waves in the MMA community. In a recent interview on Couch Warrior PodcastReese shared his journey, experiences and ambitions in the competitive world of MMA.

The Rise of Reese Watkins

Reese began his martial arts journey with Jiu-Jitsu and accompanied his uncle to a Jiu-Jitsu school in Atlanta. He later moved his training to another gym in Atlanta, where he met trainer Bruno Frazatto, who saw potential in Reese for MMA.

“Bruno asked me if I had ever thought about MMA. He said, 'I think you'd be good at this.' So I started doing Muay Thai and boxing and got in my first Muay Thai fight when I was 17,” Reese recalls.

Under the tutelage of Frazatto and inspired by fighters like Davi Ramos and Wilson Reis, Reese ventured into Muay Thai and boxing. At 17, he took part in his first Muay Thai fight, marking the beginning of his MMA journey. Reese's early professional career was not without challenges. His first amateur fight at 18 was a unique experience, balancing the demands of high school with the rigorous training and physicality of MMA.

“It was an interesting experience because I was still in high school. “You go fight on the weekend, then you have homework,” Reese said.

Despite these challenges, Reese demonstrated resilience and determination as he faced grown men in the cage since his youth.

Transition to full-time education and professional success

Because he has a great passion for the sport, Reese has transitioned to training full-time, dedicating four to five hours a day to the craft. The move paid off, as the 22-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia boasts a perfect professional record of 3-0.

His commitment to the sport is evident in his active fight schedule, with two upcoming bouts in the NFC promotion. Reese's next fight is scheduled for April 20 against Josh Mercado, followed by another fight on June 21 where he will headline the card.

Aspirations for the Future: UFC Contender Series and Beyond

Looking ahead, Reese has ambitious goals for his MMA career. His immediate goal is to attract the attention of the UFC's Contender Series in hopes of showcasing his skills and potential on the big stage. Given his active fighting style and penchant for finishing, Reese has a good chance of earning the coveted draft.

“The Contender Series starts in August, so I’m hoping I can apply or get the call. Maybe they like my work and give me a chance. Or if not, ONE championship comes to Atlanta in November. “So this would be a cool opportunity to be part of a big promotion like this in my hometown,” Reese explained.

When asked about his dream opponent in the UFC, Reese remains grounded and focused on his upcoming fights. He credits his current success to his unwavering focus and dedication to his training, avoiding distractions and always focusing on winning.

In conclusion, Reese Watkins is undeniably a name to keep an eye on in the MMA middleweight division. With his tireless work ethic, resilience and unwavering determination, Reese is well on his way to success in his MMA career. As he continues to rise and prove his skills, MMA fans can expect to see more from this rising star soon.

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