Fascinating Facts About UFC 310 Fighters
Delving into the backgrounds of fighters competing at UFC 310 unveils incredible stories of resilience, transformation, and passion. Here’s a glimpse into the lives of these athletes:
Anthony Smith: Smith’s path to becoming a full-time MMA fighter is nothing short of remarkable. He competed in 36 MMA bouts while working as a concrete finisher to support his family. By the time he fully committed himself to fighting, he had already fought in promotions such as Strikeforce, Bellator, and the UFC, perfectly embodying his idea of dedication and determination.
Kennedy Nzechukwu: In 2010, Nzechukwu moved to the United States from Nigeria with his mother and siblings at the age of 18. Four years later, his mother was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), a condition causing involuntary muscle contractions and cognitive decline. Nzechukwu became her primary caregiver while also looking after his siblings. His mother was the one who introduced him to Fortis MMA, igniting his journey into professional fighting. He fights for his mother to this day.
Clay Guida: Once offered a chance to compete in the Olympic trials for wrestling, Guida had to decline because he couldn’t make the required weight of 149 lbs—he was at 160 lbs at the time. This decision, one he regretted for years, fueled his drive to never miss another opportunity. Today, Guida boasts 37 UFC fights, ranking fourth in the promotion’s history and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Michael Chiesa: Chiesa endured a very turbulent childhood. His mother turned physically and emotionally abusive towards Chiesa after his father left her for another woman. Just days before his 16th birthday, Michael ran away from home to live with his father. He channeled his hardships & negative energy towards sports, finding success in wrestling before embarking on an MMA career. Since 2018, he has stayed true to himself, remaining very active in MMA, balancing his fighting career with a role as a UFC analyst.
Max Griffin: Griffin is the only UFC fighter to hold a black belt in Bok-Fu, a martial art blending Kenpo Karate, Kung Fu, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Created by master Richard Lee for practical self-defense, Bok-Fu training incorporates unique weapons such as nunchaku, staffs, swords, and even sickles. This makes Griffin a true martial artist with a touch of ninja flair.
Cody Durden: Once a promising student who considered a career in law, Durden’s life took a turn when he became a father at a young age. He left school to work in construction, waking up at 4:30 AM every morning to work full days before heading to MMA training for two to three hours after work each evening. His hard work and perseverance have shaped his path in the sport. His dedication over the years has clearly paid off.
Eryk Anders: Born on a U.S. Air Force base in the Philippines, Anders‘ roots are intertwined with military discipline and global exposure. His unique upbringing has added a layer of resilience to his fighting spirit. He values his military roots and tries his best to honor them with his gritty fighting style.
Randy Brown: Although born in the U.S., Brown was deported to Jamaica with his mother at a young age. His father, entangled in a racketeering case, has spent most of his life in a U.S. prison, serving three life sentences. Despite this, his family remains hopeful for a parole release due to his exemplary behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs. Living in the U.S. currently, Brown also owns property in Jamaica and remains close with his family.