Posts by x3sports
Trainer Spotlight: Getting to Know Byron Bloodworth
Health and fitness has always played a major role in Byron Bloodworth’s life, past and present. From fighting professionally to personal training clients, Byron has done it all. He is the head Athletic Trainer at X3 Sports: North Marietta, teaching fitness and cardio classes such as Fast Track, Power Track, and Kickboxing.
Byron wrestled when he was younger and it wasn’t until his freshman year of high school that he decided to study Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai and kickboxing. Graduating from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a degree in Health and Fitness Science, Byron knew he wanted to train people and focus on doing it the right way.
“While I was a student, I was training for fighting and got my personal training certification. I was planning on teaching high school; I had a little bit of student teaching, but I started to focus more on fighting and being a professional fighter.”
Moving to Atlanta in 2007, Byron wanted to focus more on fighting professionally. He competed quite a bit and won several competitions such as small grappling tournaments, NAGA, and many more. Finally, in 2009, he turned pro and got a chance to fight in the undercard for UFC 155 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV.
“It was a pinch myself moment, I had fought at some big places, but Vegas is like the mecca for combat sports, to fight where there is so much history was one of my biggest accomplishments and favorite memory. And being able to share that with my brother who had been there from the start of the journey was really cool.”
In 2007, while training for fights, Byron was also teaching group-fitness bootcamp classes and personal training sessions with clients in Atlanta, Ga. Eventually, Byron decided that he wanted to spend more time with his family, all while still being able to teach classes and train clients. Byron started out with LA Boxing, which was later bought out by Iron Clutch and then eventually transitioned to X3 Sports and has been teaching and training in this area for over 12 years.
Byron teaches our fitness based classes at X3 Sports. Classes like Fast Track, Power Track, and Kickboxing provide a great way to change your workout routine up while still moving and learning the correct technique.
“Our Fast Track classes focus on speed, agility, and muscular endurance, as well as conditioning in some of the circuit training that we do. Power Track is more of a focus on strength training and muscle building through resistance training.”
Being a trainer and working with clients whether they are working out just to stay fit and healthy, or train for competition, seeing them achieve their goals and become healthier and more confident is such a great reward.
“Seeing it finally click for people, finding their own fitness path, is the greatest reward of this job. We offer so much at X3 Sports so that you don’t get bored with fitness. I feel like a lot of people come to us not even necessarily for the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) side to compete but to use the MMA to stay fit and healthy. Then they find that we also offer other things like weight training and circuit training via Fast Track and Power Track so it provides a lot for people to find something to stay heathy not just for the short term but for the long term as well.”
While teaching multiple classes a day and personal training sessions, working six to eight hour days and making time to spend with his wife and children, Byron’s personal goals have X3 Sports in mind.
“I want to see X3 Sports succeed and grow, especially with the new location opening in Athens, Ga. and I would like to see us continuing to branch out as far as our franchising and then eventually be an owner of one or run one myself.”
Trust the process. It can be difficult and frustrating to not see results right away and sometimes it can be discouraging. But DO NOT QUIT! Keep going and push yourself because in the end, it will all be worth it.
“It’s always an ongoing process but trust the process, stick with it.”
See what X3 Sports is all about. Sign up today for a free class at one of our four locations throughout Atlanta, Ga!
Taking Fitness Classes at X3 Sports Created A New Me
In February of 2018, Aracely Morales stumbled across X3 Sports and joined to just start going back to the gym. Little did she know that 3 months later, in May, she would start a journey that would change her life. Through hard work, consistency, and dedication, Aracely changed her lifestyle completely. The path wasn’t exactly easy though. With road bumps along the way, Aracely overcame obstacles to reach her ultimate goal; a healthier life.
Aracely started taking classes at X3 Sports and the first one she tried was Kickboxing with Mo Sadiq. Within 30 seconds of starting the class she was out of breath and from there on, Aracely knew that something had to change.
“It was tough, but I still came the next day. I knew something needed to change, I needed to do better for myself and for my daughter.”
And that’s exactly what she did, she showed up the next day and every day after that for the next four weeks. Once her four weeks were up in kickboxing, she knew what class she wanted to take on next; Fast Track. She took Fast Track with Bryon Bloodworth every day and after about a month, she noticed that everyone else in the class was still finishing the workout before her. “During one of the circuits I told Bryon that everyone was finishing before me and he told me don’t focus on who finishes first and who finishes last, you need to focus on yourself, that you get to finish your workout properly and you get to finish the workout completely. Before you know it, you’re going to be finishing before everybody.” She knew she couldn’t give up. Giving up was not an option any more. Excuses were not an option anymore.
She took Fast Track with Bryon Bloodworth every day and after about a month, she noticed that everyone else in the class was still finishing the workout before her. “During one of the circuits I told Bryon that everyone was finishing before me and he told me don’t focus on who finishes first and who finishes last, you need to focus on yourself, that you get to finish your workout properly and you get to finish the workout completely. Before you know it, you’re going to be finishing before everybody.” She knew she couldn’t give up. Giving up was not an option any more. Excuses were not an option anymore.
“I was really close to walking away but something in me was saying ‘no stick it out and keep going. Don’t quit you have to keep going.’ I couldn’t tell you exactly when it happened, but I started finishing before everybody. I was able to build endurance and finish.”
From there on out, Aracely knew the changes she needed to make in order to reach her goal. She started changing her diet; eating more vegetables, choosing healthier snacks, drinking lots of water and eating small meals throughout the day that helped boost her metabolism. She also stayed consistent with her workouts and made sure to find time to get to X3.
“I work a full-time job, I’m a full-time single mom, life is hectic, but I still make time. I made excuses but that was just me wanting to sit on the couch and eat popcorn and candy. Get your butt up, go work out and stop feeling sorry for yourself.”
Just by making these changes to her diet and being consistent in her workouts, Aracely was losing 3 to 4 pounds a week.“I was drinking a lot of water. I was adding vegetables to my meals, adding healthier snacks throughout the day and I was eating constantly and that’s when my endurance started getting better. That’s when I started dropping 3-4 pounds a week. But it was the consistency that was the key to everything. And by August I had lost 60 pounds.”
With the help of her trainers and other X3 members, she was able to push herself even more during training. “You get to know the people here when we come to class, and we start pushing each other. I have made great friends here. I would not be able to do it without the trainers and the people here.” By the beginning of August, Aracely had lost 60 pounds. “I’m not done. I’m going to continue working out, might not be as structed as it was because I have reached my goal but I’m going to continue to work out. Why? I need that in my life as in health wise. I still need my heart to keep pumping and going to be healthy. I’m still going to keep coming because first of all it’s such a stress reliver. The classes we do here, kickboxing, Muay Thai, fast track, power track, it makes you feel like you are in power and you can just take the world especially when you lift those weights, as a woman, it does. It makes you feel like you can overcome anything, and I did overcome my weight, I have overcome personal issues and I’m still pushing though it because I know I can do it. This is part of me, I can’t stop, I’m not going to stop.” Within a year, she was at her goal and feeling super proud of that accomplishment too.
“Don’t be afraid, just do it. Don’t be afraid to try new things. At the end of the day, you’re the one that is working out for yourself. You are doing this for you. Don’t be afraid of what everyone else is going to say, you are doing this for you and your family. Keep going, don’t give up, and keep wiping those tears away.”
By being consistent, making time to work out, changing her daily eating habits, and eliminating daily excuses, Aracely Morales has changed her mind set and lifestyle to a much healthier and a happier one. Thank you, Aracely for choosing X3 Sports to help you reach your goals. If you or anyone you know are looking for a facility the thrives on delivering real results, sign up today, try a free class and bring out the warrior within!
Senior Workout Safety
Training Safely as a Senior
As most of us get older, we start to notice ourselves slowing down compared to our younger years. Physical decline is an inevitability for all of us, but fortunately, all hope isn’t lost. With a little bit of hard work and dedication, even aging adults can stay in shape. Regular exercise after your 30s can help to improve your respiratory and cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Staying active also improves bone density and strengthens muscles, which helps to prevent joint pains and arthritis.
While training as a senior carries with it many health benefits, it’s important that older adults remember their limitations when exercising. With the wrong technique, you can end up seriously injuring yourself. Here are some safety tips that every senior should follow to make the most out of their workout.
Talk to Your Doctor
Before heading out and hitting the gym, it’s important to make sure that it’s safe for you to do so. You could also even consult lawyers from Grossman Law to understand how personal injury cases transpire. This is especially important for seniors who are frail or suffer from chronic health conditions. You should schedule a consultation with your doctor to come up with a safe, personalized training routine. Your physician can help you to choose exercises that won’t increase your risk of injury. You may also want to talk to your caretaker to set up a workout schedule with them, as it can help to have a buddy to act as an accountability partner.
Start Out Slow
When starting out a new exercise routine in your later years, be careful not to jump right into it. Even if you were a skilled athlete in your younger years, as an older adult, your bones and muscles won’t be quite as strong or adept at feats of strength. Start with light to moderate exercises just one to three times per week, and then go from there. Once you find this routine too easy, you can start incrementally increasing the amount of time you spend at the gym. This will help you to avoid stress-related fractures and muscle injuries during the early days of your training schedule.
Listen to Your Body
When in the middle of exercising, it can be tempting to push yourself those last five minutes on the treadmill, but it’s essential that you don’t overexert yourself. You should be mindful of how your body feels as you work out, paying close attention to any signs of discomfort. If you begin wheezing or feel short of breath, stop exercising immediately and rest. If you feel yourself developing pressure in your chest, you should call a doctor.
Working out as you age can help you to stay fit, but exercising as a senior doesn’t come without its risks. When training, it’s important to be mindful of your body so that you can stay safe and avoid accidents or injuries.
Be sure to contact us here at X3 Sports with any questions or concerns you may have about your workouts and how to do them properly and as safely as possible.
Getting Ready For Your First X3 Sports Class
Motivation. Check.
Discovered X3 Sports. Check.
Scheduled a free class. Check.
Now what?
Regardless of whether it’s been one month, one year, or what seems like one lifetime since you’ve worked out, setting foot in a new environment can be daunting. Add to that the fear of looking like a beginner in front of the class, and it can be enough to send you running in the other direction.
The good news? X3 Sports has you covered with a Cheat-Sheet of what to do and expect at your first class that will kick any apprehension to the curb.
Before You Arrive
Preparing for class is simple. Wear a t-shirt, shorts, or any comfortable workout attire and bring a water bottle. If you’re someone who tends to perspire, bring a sweat towel too. That’s it. We’ll supply you with all other gear needed for free. After your first class, gear is available to be rented or purchased on premise.
Interested in pairing up with a pal? Each guest can bring one friend to their first class; just make sure they’re registered 24 hours in advance.
A little energy before class can go a long way. Eat a snack around two hours before class to ensure you have the optimum energy for your workout, without your stomach being too full. A small portion of low glycemic fruit, like berries, is best. Fibrous carbs like vegetables are also great for flowing blood & oxygen to the muscles. For a complete list of high, low and moderate glycemic foods, visit www.glycemicindex.com.
At X3 Sports: Before Class
Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Upon arrival, you’ll be introduced to the instructor. During this time, you’ll be asked about any injuries, goals, focus areas, and your workout history. This information helps our instructors customize the class to your experience and fitness level. Because each class is customized, all classes are beginner friendly.
For those taking Kickboxing, Boxing, or Muay Thai, our team will wrap your hands prior to class, if needed. Wraps will provide support for wrists, prevent friction between hands and gloves, and provide additional padding. If you would like to wrap your own hands, we created a video tutorial so you can learn before class.
At X3 Sports: During Class
Each class is 55 minutes long and is made up of around 15-25 people of all shapes, sizes, and ages… just like you. Our members are friendly and encouraging, creating an open and welcoming environment.
At the onset of each class, instructors will scan the class to gauge fitness and experience levels and customize the workout. Instructors are hands-on and will work with you one on one during class to help with technique or questions.
Classes typically begin with a 5 – 15 minute warm up period. Technique and conditioning are incorporated together, progressively increasing in intensity amidst constant variety.
Classes are designed to go at your own pace, so take a break if needed. Some instructors give water breaks; others do not; don’t let this stop you from breaking when needed. It usually takes 2 – 3 classes to get used to everything. After that, you’ll start rocking it.
After Your Workout
Class attendees typically burn between 700-900 calories each class. While everyone is different, members will typically start to see or feel results in two weeks, and it is not uncommon to lose ten pounds in your first month.
While it will be the workout which keeps you engaged during class, it’s the massive feeling of accomplishment you’ll feel afterwards that will keep you coming back. Expect to feel pumped up after the workout —euphoric even—and want to do it again!
If you haven’t signed up for your free class, you can do so here! Now you know what to expect and how to prepare, so there are no excuses to not get started with the best fitness and training center in Atlanta!
Supercharge Your Kickboxing Workout: 8 Kickboxing Questions Answered!
We receive a lot of questions from people interested in our Kickboxing program.
MMA Success Story: In-Depth with Nate Williams
What is your dedication, determination and commitment to your lifestyle?
You might have already seen him on X3 TV, taken his Kickboxing class at West Midtown or seen him in the Octagon on Fight Night; his name is Nathan “Nasty Nate” Williams. He is currently ranked #14 on the Georgia Pro Lightweights and determined to reach his dream of becoming the best pound for pound fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC). Last November, we interviewed Nate when he turned pro. Since then he’s had two fights, with a record of 1-1-0, and his upcoming July 22nd fight at NFC 85 will mark his three year anniversary on the X3 Sports Fight Team.
Nathan Williams
I discovered X3 Sports off of an internet browser while searching for “mma gyms”. It was one of the first results that came up and was relatively close to my house. I called and said, “Hey man, I want to be a fighter”, and the guy laughed a little since he probably gets 100 calls like that a day. He told me what to do and what being an MMA fighter entails, that it’s a compilation of different martial arts tied into one. I came in and took a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class and signed up the same day!
X3 has changed my life completely! Besides giving me two cauliflower ears, LOL, X3 has made me the professional fighter I am today! I’ve earned a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as well as red belt in Muay Thai! I’ve also won several Jiu Jitsu competitions, as well as amateur fights and it would not be possible without X3 Sports.
My daily routine at X3 begins with an hour of Muay Thai, then an hour of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, followed by an hour of Fight Team training. Our training together is the key to all our success! We are able to help push and motivate each other. We also help each other cut weight. Even when we aren’t fighting, we are still there each other in the saunas and definitely at the fights. It’s a brotherhood we have now, and I wouldn’t change my team for the world!
I have been training in MMA for three years now. I love that MMA has a wrestling aspect to it, because I wrestled all my life, so I have that competitive aspect going for me. I never had plans on doing this, but being a competitive guy, MMA challenges me because I just want to be known as one of the best fighters, pound for pound. My life encompasses MMA, if I’m not training, I’m watching it. If I’m not watching it, I’m reading news and talking about it. MMA is my life. I love it. I wouldn’t be anywhere else.
Go Team X3! Greatest gym in America! SEE MORE OF NATE’S STORY ON OUR BLOG.*
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Success Story: In-Depth with Robert Hale III
“Everyone has a Dream, but not everyone has a grind.” What is your grind?
There are m
any fighters in the ring, but rare are the ones with a warrior spirit who capture your attention with their raw enthusiasm and determination. Nicknamed “The Blue King” in the Octagon, 23 year old Robert is from Columbus, GA and ready to make a name for himself in the sport of mixed martial arts. He has only three amateur fights remaining until he turns professional. He is currently ranked the #3 Amateur Welterweight in Georgia, and #13 of 437 in the Southeast Amateur Middleweights and is ready to grind his way to the top.
Robert Hale III
I’m just really happy I joined X3 Sports. To me, X3 is everything. I love this gym. I love the people who work here. I love my team. I love the coaches, without them, there would be no me. Of course, I have my family. When I’m not with my family, I’m with X3. X3’s a family to me.
My first sport was football, that’s how I came into X3 in October 2013 at 250 lbs., cheeks fat, pretty bloated. In high school, I was 190 lbs., small but very fat. My coaches wanted me to get bigger to play linebacker. So all I did was eat, drink protein shakes and lift weights, and then I got fat. In college, I prepared for spring training, and I got huge. My arms and face were big, but I was athletic.
One day, I googled “X3 Sports” after I saw UFC fighter Clint Hester on TV trained here. He inspired me to join and become a fighter. I started off with Kickboxing for a month and lost weight. The instructor said I could learn better striking by upgrading to Muay Thai. So I did Muay Thai, then Jiu-Jitsu afterwards – I loved doing everything and I kept doing them twice a day. I kept losing weight. In three weeks, I had dropped to 215. I kept coming after a few more weeks passed. I lost 20 more lbs. When I reached 199 lbs., I said ‘Wow’ to myself. I hadn’t seen that weight in two years. This is really working!
BJJ is very special to m,e because it is another way I lost all my weight. Constantly doing it with my GI on, it’s a grind and most people give up because of the grind. MMA saved my life, because I would rather be in the gym than on the streets. The sport altogether is very challenging, very fun. I never expected it to be such an adrenaline rush. After the first time doing it, I fell in love just like that.
Everything that I’ve gotten, that I’ve achieved, X3’s helped me so much. You can talk to anybody here, everybody’s pretty cool. I’m very thankful and happy that I got caught up at X3, rather than being out there (on the streets). SEE MORE OF ROBERT’S STORY ON OUR BLOG.*
Success Story: In-Depth with Robert Hale III
“Everyone has a Dream, but not everyone has a grind.” What is your grind?
There are many fighters in the ring, but rare are the ones with a warrior spirit who capture your attention with their raw enthusiasm and determination. Nicknamed “The Blue King” in the Octagon, 23 year old Robert is from Columbus, GA and ready to make a name for himself in the sport of mixed martial arts. He has only three amateur fights remaining until he turns professional. He is currently ranked the #3 Amateur Welterweight in Georgia, and #13 of 437 in the Southeast Amateur Middleweights and is ready to grind his way to the top.
Follow along with this month’s Success Story as we interview Robert about his most recent TKO win in 29 seconds at NFC 83, how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu helped him lose weight and how MMA saved his life.
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER X3 SPORTS?
“I was sitting at home one day…I had no job, I was in school. I just finished watching “The Ultimate Fighter” with my dad and brother, Clint Hester was on the show, so I googled “X3 Sports” where he trained. He inspired me to join and become a fighter. The first time I stepped into X3 Sports, I was like ‘WOW.’ I didn’t have any money to pay for the X3 at first. Then I got a job, my first paycheck went straight to X3 Sports. It was my first job of my life, but then my cousin gave me a better job with better hours so that I could be in the gym every day and take my fight career more seriously.
NFC 80 December 2015
“MMA wasn’t a first sport for me. My first sport was football. That’s why I came into the gym at 250 lbs, cheeks fat, pretty bloated.In high school, I was 190 lbs., small but very fat. My coaches wanted me to get bigger to play linebacker. So all I did was eat, drink protein shakes and lift weights, and then I got fat. In college, I prepared for spring training, and I got huge. My arms and face were big, but I was athletic. I didn’t know I wanted to fight until football ended.
“I started off with Kickboxing for a month and was losing weight. The instructor said I could learn better striking by upgrading to Muay Thai. So I did Muay Thai, then Jiu-Jitsu afterwards – I loved doing everything and I kept doing them twice a day. I did awful my first go-around in BJJ and I went in there and got beat up on a lot, but I kept losing weight. In three weeks, I had dropped to 215. I kept coming after a few more weeks passed, lost 20 more lbs. When I reached 199 lbs., I said ‘Wow’ to myself. I hadn’t seen that weight in two years. This is really working! My BJJ coaches mentored me, and I met my best friend Nathan Williams in BJJ class. Nate really pushed me into it, after that it was just amazing.
“I’m just really happy I found this gym. X3’s a family to me now. Everything that I’ve gotten, that I’ve achieved, X3’s helped me so much. You can talk to anybody here, everybody’s pretty cool. You meet new people every day, so I really love this gym, it’s really home to me.”
WHAT DOES BJJ MEAN TO YOU?
BJJ GI Class
“BJJ means life, discipline, control and focus. I learned all of that in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The movement in BJJ is very much like chess, you have to be a step ahead of your opponent every time. That’s a challenge, and I love challenges. I think that the person who pushes me and challenges me the most in BJJ is Nathan Williams. I’m always in a chess match with him, even though he beats me. Constantly figuring out what to do, how to get out of this position quick, either I’m tapping or they already passing my guard.
“BJJ is very special to me, because it is another way I lost all my weight. Constantly doing it with my GI on, it’s a grind and most people give up because of the grind. A lot of fighters will come in and say they don’t need to worry about BJJ, those are the guys that aren’t taking this sport seriously. You have to know all aspects of this game just to become a fighter. You can’t just know one thing. You have to know jiu-jitsu, how to do judo, how to grapple and wrestle.”
YOU SAID BJJ IS LIKE A CHESS MATCH. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MOVE?
“Yes, I love the Oma Plata (a shoulder-lock submission when you trap your opponent’s arm on one side of your hip). If I could set it up perfectly, I would love doing it standing up. The opportunity has yet to present itself to me where I get to showcase my BJJ in the cage.”
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO TAKE BJJ?
“Get a GI. Get ready to be tapped. Get ready to learn great lessons and advice from a lot of cool people. When you first start out in BJJ, you are going to get tapped, it just happens, you don’t know what’s going on, it’s like you’re trying to swim. You got to know how to float in the water, but if you don’t know how to float, you’ll drown. It’s like that in BJJ, you have to just let things happen, and then you have to open your mind. If you really study BJJ, anybody can be good at it. You give it one month, two months with great coaches, and if you actually study and practice with people, then everything will start getting better. Don’t just go and stop, you have to keep going.”
Muay Thai Class
WHAT ARE SOME GOALS YOU HAVE ACHIEVED? AND WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?
“I plan on holding a belt and fight for a belt in the UFC. My dream is not just a dream for me, it’s a life, a reality. I plan on being on the billboard, that’s a big step. I come into the gym and work my butt off. A good day to me in the gym is not getting submitted, not getting taken down, not getting out-struck…It’s like my coach says: ‘You get 1% better every day.’
“I have big plans for X3 Sports. I’m not going anywhere. I want to be a Black Belt in BJJ. I want people to know that I don’t just do one thing, but that I can do many things. I want to leave my legacy as ‘Robert, the Top Pound for Pound.’ After MMA is over, I plan on coaching and BJJ competitions.”
TELL US ABOUT BEING AN MMA FIGHTER.
“MMA saved my life because I feel if I wasn’t doing this, there would be nothing to go to. I would rather be in the gym, than in the streets. Being an MMA fighter to me is a way out because I didn’t have anything else to go to. I went to Georgia State, but I feel like if I didn’t find this sport, I would just be working. And that’s not what I want in my life.
“The sport altogether is very challenging, very fun. I never expected it to be such an adrenaline rush. After the first time doing it, I fell in love just like that. I watch MMA on TV all the time now, so much so my girlfriend asks why, and I responded ‘I want to get better. To be the best, I watch the best. So one day when I am the best, they can watch me.’
Best friends Robert & Nate Williams (right)
“Nate and I talk about our dream to reach to UFC a lot. I always remind him about how we will look at each other, and say, ‘We made it.’ I have a lot of dreams. Dream matchups. Once I get my name up there, I want to test myself with my first three pro fights. While I want my record to be great, I don’t want to pitty-patty there. I want tough fights.
“Right now, I believe nobody that I’ve fought yet can withstand my punches. I believe I can fight anybody, at any time. I believe I’m on another level, 170-185, doesn’t matter. They are not on my level. They are not on my team. My team pushes me. I believe I’m better than all the 170 in Georgia. I can’t wait to bring the 170 belt to X3. Once I get the title, then I’ll defend it once or twice. Then I’m going pro.
“I’m just really happy I found this gym. X3’s a family to me now. Everything that I’ve gotten…that I’ve achieved…X3’s helped me so much. You can talk to anybody here, everybody’s pretty cool. You meet new people every day, so I really love this gym. It’s really home to me. I’m very thankful and happy that I got caught up in here (at X3 Sports), rather than being out there (on the streets). I think fighting is what the Lord wanted me to do. I wanted to be a football star, but with MMA, I have a better opportunity to showcase my skill.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST FIGHT LAST JUNE.
NFC 80 December 2015
“My debut fight was June 27, 2015 against Clay Archer. I was super nervous, I didn’t know where or how this was going to go. My dad and brother was there. It wasn’t my first time being in the spotlight but it was the first time where people were actually looking at me, not me in a uniform. I didn’t know what happened, but I stepped into the cage and felt like I was home. I won by 54 second knockout.”
AMAZING! AND YOU HAD A 29 SECOND KNOCKOUT IN YOUR MOST RECENT FIGHT THIS MARCH AT NFC 83 (watch the fight here). HOW DID YOU FEEL?
“There was a lot of emotion in the air. The gameplan was simple. Stay on the outside and move in when I had the chance. When he kicked me in my leg, the objective was to catch it and throw my right hand, that’s how the knockout happened! I got the opportunity to show everybody my strength.”
NFC 83 March 2016 – Robert wins with a 29 second TKO in the 1st Round with TeamX3
YOUR FIGHT NAME IS “THE BLUE KING”. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
“My fight name hasn’t really shown itself yet, but how I persuade myself is as the “Blue King”. I use it as motivation. Blue is a cold color, I love the color blue. Blue is Jazz, all the sad music. King is a ruler rules over a lot of stuff. I believe I am a ruler, but I am never satisfied and always pushing forward, wanting to be better no matter what. I may be happy for that day, that week. I am always hungry. Anybody will tell you that my success, my drive is from pushing myself. If I relax a little bit, I feel like someone will be better than me. That’s where I get my drive and motivation from and, of course, from my coaches and teammates. At the end of the day, what do you see of yourself in the mirror: Do you think of yourself as a successful person? I do, when I step into the ring, I separate myself from the Blue King. That’s where all that aggressiveness, power and raw emotion come from. As long as I can separate myself from the Blue King and reality, I’m fine.”
HOW IS TRAINING WITH THE X3 FIGHT TEAM AND THE COACHES?
“Training with the X3 Sports Fight Team is amazing! We are not just fighters, we are brothers. We share that bond. We would do anything for each other and our coaches. They trust us enough to train us with their time, and we trust them enough to believe in their wisdom. Gabriel is a great coach, he’s emotionally invested and has a plan for everyone filled out for everyone on the team. He corners us and is always there. The four main cornerman at our fights are Coach Tony, Gabriel, Bruno and Mike. Stylistically, Bruno is a great fit for the team. We don’t take anything for granted. Everybody on the fight team will be great pros. We have several fighters looking to make big numbers, big names.
X3 Sports Fight Team
“I lift every Tuesday and Thursday with the Fight Team. I love every bit of it: getting trained, getting coached, having teammates and brothers push you beyond limits you thought you could go, coaches will too. All that is fun, the grind, the blood, the sweat – that’s real! That’s why you always see us dominate, try to knock the opponent’s head off. Everybody in here is tough. We never ever have a dull fight.
“We set a standard, and now everyone wants to meet that standard. I don’t believe this team is credited enough. Nate’s fight was just on TV (NFC 83), Stephen is a title holder 155lb, Xavier Crenshow up and coming fighter, Shawn Gallagher, and on June 11th, I’m fighting for the 170 lbs against Eli Wynters.”
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FIGHTER?
“Mohammad Ali of course. MMA-wise, I love Rampage Jackson because of the fire he brings to the stage. He’s probably still known as one of the most feared striker in MMA. I want to be a great striker, but I also want to be known as you have to make a game plan to fight me because I’m vicious, got great take-downs, great BJJ background and well-rounded.”
Coach Tony cornering Robert
WHAT DO YOU DO TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE A WELL-ROUNDED FIGHTER?
“I’m currently a Blue Belt, I know it will be tough but I want to be a Black Belt in five years. Kickboxing and boxing, but Muay Thai is always my first go-to since it’s where I first started. I want to do karate and tae kwon do.”
AS A FIGHTER, WE KNOW IT IS NOT ONLY A PHYSICAL CHALLENGE, BUT A MENTAL ONE AS WELL. HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH LOSSES?
“My first loss was a huge learning experience. First time, I lost by split-decision. I felt like I could’ve done more, gave more, pushed more. So I gave myself a goal: Leave everything in the cage. If I’m not trying to knock your head off, I’m trying to put you through a lot of pain. This year there will be no judges involved in my fights. I am always trying to finish you. I love to fight someone and finish them in the most worst way possible. I go in there and bang, but my main goal is to finish you.”
WHAT IS YOUR WALKOUT AND WHY?
“I have two walkout songs.
“First is Big Shawn’s “Blessings” – that’s probably one of my favorite songs. I listen to the song 3 times a day, meaning of it is living for not just you, but your family. On the the opening lyrics, “I live the life I deserve, blessed”, meaning I earned this life. That’s my favorite line, without living, of course you aren’t going to meet your goals. The lyrics really open up my eyes even more.
“Also, Edwin Starr’s “War”, this song is the song my mother asked me to play for her for my last fight. I feel energetic when I play this song. It brings a lot of life out of me, it makes me feel better knowing my mother was also listening to it.”
TELL US SOMETHING WE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU.
“I love motorcycles! I really want one…but I’m kind of scared.”
During our interview, we get to see the goofy side of Robert
(“NOOOO!” yells our X3 Sports Marketing Manager Tammi. ”When God blesses you with a gift, you have to take care of it. Getting on a motorcycle is not taking care of it. Pick something else.” Laughter ensues.)
“My teammates will tell you I’m a prankster. I’m really goofy. I love my brothers here. I always joke around with them. Especially if I know you, I’m goofy. I used to be very shy. I handled stuff differently than everybody else. But now, I’m goofy, I love everybody. You’ll always see me smile, you’ll never see me mad. That’s one thing people don’t know about me.”
IF SOMEONE WERE TO ASK YOU WHAT IS X3, WHAT ARE THREE WORDS YOU WOULD SAY?
“Fun, Amazing & Exciting – all those put together is extravagant. To me, X3 is everything. I love this gym. I love the people who work here. I love my team. I love the coaches, without them, there would be no me. Of course, I have my family. When I’m not with my family, I’m with X3. I love every aspect of that, it pushes and motivates me to be better.
“If I could do this over again, the pain, the struggle to get to where I am today, I would do it all over again. There’s no better feeling than to wake up in the morning and know you will be successful. Just keep going. This is long-lasting, this is my dream.”
With a current record of 5-2-0 (two wins in a row) and an upcoming fight for the 170 lb Middleweight belt, Robert is on top of his game, knows where he is going and where he wants to be. His daily grind is becoming a successful professional MMA fighter in the UFC. What is your daily grind?
UPCOMING FIGHT: Watch Robert fight June 11, 2016 @ NFC 84 CenterStage Atlanta | Follow Robert (The Blue King) on Instagram!
Selfie of Robert with #TeamX3 marketing Tammi & Nancy