Summary: Steve Burton, who practices Mixed Martial Arts out of Excessive Force Gym in Wooster, recently received the opportunity to fight on the USA Amateur Team, after winning a fight in Chicago that landed him the position. The fighter will participate in the first ever World MMA Tournament in the Ukraine at the end of May, among many other opportunities he has with the team.
Steve Burton received just an eight day notice to accept the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to fight Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for a spot on the USA Amateur Team. Despite the high stakes and the ambivalence he felt about fighting on such short noticehe wasnt going to choke in the face of a challenge.
And its a good thing, too. He won the fight in Chicago against one of the current members, securing a spot on the traveling team. The athlete fights out of Excessive Force Gym in Wooster, and has been doing so since December of 2009.
I was only going to fight a few times and then be done, Burton began. I didnt have any intention of fighting for two years.
Now grappling with this new reality, Burtons committed himself to the gym, training specifically in both cardio and on his stand up techniques. Going into the fight that landed his position on the team, his record was 5-1, an achievement all in its own.
When I was up there for my qualifying fight, they had six guys from Team Ireland, and then May 7, I go back up to fight against the South Pacific, and theyre bringing guys in from New Zealand and Australia. And May 30 were going to fight in the Ukraine for the first World MMA Tournament, Burton continued.
MMA is a unique blend of different fighting styles, resulting in a diversified sport that challenges its participants to be skilled in a variety of techniques. Burton fits right in, given the wrestling background he obtained at Chippewa High School. He graduated in 2003, and let his own curiosity of the sport burst into a hobby.
It means a lot. Im the only person from Ohio on the team. I represent Ohio. After that youre facing people from other countries, so youre representing your country when you fight, Burton said. Its not just like a regular fight. Theres a lot more on the line. Theres a lot more pride.
He explained that he will probably fight about every two months with the team, which boasts nine other members nationwide. The fighter added that he was discovered through a website that ranks fighters in their weight class, and he was third in the light heavy weight division.
I didnt believe them, Burton laughed, noting the shock at receiving the opportunity. But I wasnt going to pass up the offer.
Burton also holds belts in both middle weight and light heavy weight divisions.
I think the biggest thing is the travel, and to fight an international fighter as an amateur, Burton continued.
And regardless of the battles that lay ahead, Burton has a seriously bright future awaiting him, one that includes growth, challenge, and of course, the opportunity to channel his talents into a career. And really, how many people can say that they kick, mount, punch and submit opponents for a living?
I was planning on going pro in May, and then this opportunity came, so I took this. Ill probably fight this until at least next year, then after that, look to turn pro, Burton concluded.
