He fought his way to the top and now he has to fight to stay there.
Roseville’s Bobby Nash graduated Michigan State University just three years ago and already he’s one of the top martial arts in the world fighting in the UFC.
At just 27-years-old, Bobby “Nashty” Nash is already living his dream. 7 Action News caught up with him at Title Boxing Club in Macomb preparing with his trainer Christopher “Preacher” May for the biggest fight of his life - his second in the UFC is just weeks away on July 16.
“It is a sport and we're very respectful to our opponents, but fighting, I'll admit it, I'm nervous every time. There's a lot of pressure,” says Nash.
His first UFC fight happened by lucky accident. A fighter dropped out of a UFC match due to injury and Bobby Nash got the call to step in at the last minute. Nash hadn't been able to study his opponent the way he normally would or train for the altitude (that fight was in Denver). He fought well but ultimately lost that day. The UFC was impressed with Nash's skill and signed him to a four-fight contract, but that doesn't mean his future is secure.
This upcoming match in July is the first UFC fight Nash been able to study his opponent and train specifically for. He needs to do well in order to ensure he can continue fighting at this elite level.
“Let's say this fight doesn't go my way, the UFC can cut me. They can cut me on the second fight, thethird, whenever they want.”
He is training hard to ensure that doesn’t happen. Strength and conditioning, mitt work, getting i the ring with other fighters and using new technology like Hykso sensors which track how fast he hits and how many punches he throws.
Nash grew up in Roseville and was an all-state wrestler in high school. He went on to wrestle at Michigan State University while pursuing a degree in sociology then discovered his love for Mixed Martial Arts.
“It's an art form a lot more high level than people give credit to,” says Nash.
“Being educated is very important to being a fighter in my opinion. I'm fighting another man, I want to outsmart him. If I'm smarter than him, I think I'm going to beat him,” explains Nash.
He’s confident there’s no question, and he should be. He’s worked hard to get where he is.
For several years he trained 4-6 hours a day fighting in amateur competitions for little to no money, living with his parents and working side jobs when he could to pay the bills.
“In the regional circuit, it's very difficult and that's why you have a lot of guys who don't make it because of those hard times.”
It wasn’t easy but he persevered and credits his family and girlfriend for their unwavering support. Fighting in the UFC means a bigger paycheck and a full-time career. His next fight is July 16th at 11am and he hopes to make his family and his fans in Michigan proud.
“I'm out there I'm fighting with all my heart but I'm out there to entertain as well.”
