After we talked for a half hour about his unique, burgeoning
mixed-martial-arts career – which includes a coincidental introduction
to “The Ultimate Fighter” and a partially developed left arm – Nick
Newell sent me a series of text messages.
I had called him, in part, because of his unique physical status. From
birth, Newell had a left arm that stopped past the elbow because of a
condition called congenital amputation. But he adapted, became a high
school and collegiate wrestler, and is now an undefeated MMA
professional.
But the balance for Newell has always been training for MMA success
while also working to find fights because many potential opponents don’t
like the idea of fighting him.