Nick Newell has been defying odds all his life and continued that trend on Saturday night with a victory over Joe Condon at the World Series of Fighting event in his home state of Connecticut.
It’s notable not just because it was his first win with the promotion, but also because the 29-year-old was born with congenital amputation in his left arm which resulted in his arm ending just below the elbow.
No stranger to mixed martial arts, Newell has a 12-1 career record as a professional in the sport. The unanimous decision victory over Condon was his first with WSOF, coming nine months after he lost to Justin Gaethje.
Speaking to ESPN’s Phil Murphy after his victory, Newell talked about what it meant being able to fight so close to where he grew up.
“It was crazy,” Newell said. “The roar of the crowd and everything, it was a little overwhelming for me, and the adrenaline was so crazy. I needed that though. I needed a fight like that, and I came out with a win, so I’m happy.”
Newell also said that he “tried to drown it all out” with regards to the hundreds of ticket requests and celebrity status he had walking around the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut.
Once Newell was able to settle down on his own after the fight, the veteran mixed martial artist took to social media to thank everyone who made this particular dream possible:
As far as what’s next, Newell told Murphy that he “wants to do a quick turnaround.” He even offered to fight on the next show, which is June 5 in Canada, but details would still have to be worked out before that can come to fruition.
Whatever happens, Newell continues to prove he has a bright future in mixed martial arts. He won the lightweight championship while competing in Xtreme Fighting Championships and is off to a solid start in World Series of Fighting.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com