ABILENE, TX, August 28, 2012 – When it comes to MMA, one make-or-break-it trait is confidence. Together with hard work and dedication, a healthy bit of confidence can carry a fighter a long ways. And a lack of the same trait can often ruin even the most talented of fighters. It’s that important.
One fighter that isn’t lacking in this department is Abilene’s own Brandon Farran (7-4). The head coach at Future Fitness Fight Team, Brandon initially opened up his own gym business after getting kicked out of college despite the fact that the odds were stacked against him, and he’s prospered so far.
As a professional fighter, that same fortitude has carried him to a 7-4 record overall and three wins in a row since coming back from a year and a half hiatus in 2012.
“I’m a totally different fighter from what I was before I took my year and half break,” he says about who he is now – still a fearsome striker (who describes his style as a mix of Roy Jones Jr. boxing and Michael McDonald Muay Thai) but also a changed person who has experienced a plenty of growth outside the cage.
“My stand up was always there, but mentally I was unable to perform at my full capability (in the past), due to immaturity and instability. I’ve been maturing and gaining stability to improve my mental health and that’s made all the difference in the world.”
“Most people, after meeting me now, they realize that I am nice guy who will do anything for those close to me. I live by our fight team motto “Fear None, Respect All,” which derives from the ‘Golden Rule’ of doing onto others as you would want done for you.”
Brandon’s individual growth showed in his last fight against former TUF candidate and submission artist Cleburn “The Spartan” Walker. He didn’t earn the win with a knockout, but rather by first round submission.
“The best word to describe that last fight was unexpected. I expected him to shoot for the takedown right off the bat but instead he kicked me in the face with a push kick to set his takedown up. He then got me to the ground and left his neck exposed, so I sunk my arm under his chin as if I was going for a guillotine. Although he had me in his side control I used my free arm to sneak my elbow under his body; after doing so, I rolled him over, stood up and finished the choke against the cage.”
In order to get past his next opponent, he’ll need all that same ability to adjust and more.
Farran will be facing undefeated Brazilian Leandro “Buscape” De Silva at Legacy Fighting Championship 14, September 14th in Houston.
“I know he will have great ground game,” Brandon says about his highly-touted opponent.
He’s confident he’ll have the ability to neutralize the situation as well.
“I feel pretty well rounded with the ability to handle myself in whatever situation I’m put in. I always train in a fashion that allows me to dictate the pace, which also allows me to go for the finish early. I look forward to testing myself in the cage in this fight. I’m no prophet, so there are no predictions but I can tell if I am allowed to stand it will be a short night.”
Fighter Acknowledgements
“Channing Morris I love you with all my heart and couldn’t be more proud to have such an amazing woman in my life!” – Brandon Farran