Who is Zak?
A professional MMA Fighter with a winning record, and a competitor on Season 17 of The Ultimate Fighter. Zak has fought for the worlds largest promotions such as Strikeforce, Bellator, and Maximum Fighting Championships.
A Brief History from the Fighter
I was born in Irving, TX then after 3 years I moved to my hometown of Springfield, MO where I grew up. I started sports at a very young age starting football, baseball, and basketball in elementary school. In 6th grade I decided to give wrestling a try and I immediately fell in love. The dedication and discipline it takes to compete in wrestling is unmatched with any other sport. Attending Glendale High School, I was a 3 sport athlete playing football, baseball, and wrestling. After being a state qualifier, I decided to try to wrestling at the collegiate level. I attended and wrestled for Meramec College in Kirkwood, MO. Freshman year I was a NJCAA National Qualifier making it to top 9 in the Nation, and was team voted Most Improved Wrestler. Sophomore year, I was a NJCAA National Qualifier but due to injury I was unable to make All-American Status. However, I was an Academic All-American and team vote Team Captian.
With my injury I was pretty much done wrestling and transferred to Missouri State University to finish up my degree. While back in my hometown I decided to do something to get back in shape, I joined Springfield Fight Club to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing. After a few months I decided to try an amateur MMA fight just to say I've done it. I went in scared out of my mind and in 41 seconds I took down my opponent and submitted him. I was hooked, I have never felt anything like it. As an amateur I went 6-0 and on Thanksgiving in 2007 my coach called me and asked if I would like to make my Pro debut in 2 days at Light Heavyweight.
Even though I was extremely sick at the time I jumped at the opportunity. It wasn't pretty but I won a decision in dominating fashion. The rest of my career has basically been the same. Mainly short notice fights jumping at every opportunity that is thrown at me. Hopefully I am finally at the point to become a full time fighter and I for one am extremely excited to see what type of fighter I can become. I can't wait to showcase this fighter to my fans and thoroughly enjoy this experience.
With my injury I was pretty much done wrestling and transferred to Missouri State University to finish up my degree. While back in my hometown I decided to do something to get back in shape, I joined Springfield Fight Club to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing. After a few months I decided to try an amateur MMA fight just to say I've done it. I went in scared out of my mind and in 41 seconds I took down my opponent and submitted him. I was hooked, I have never felt anything like it. As an amateur I went 6-0 and on Thanksgiving in 2007 my coach called me and asked if I would like to make my Pro debut in 2 days at Light Heavyweight.
Even though I was extremely sick at the time I jumped at the opportunity. It wasn't pretty but I won a decision in dominating fashion. The rest of my career has basically been the same. Mainly short notice fights jumping at every opportunity that is thrown at me. Hopefully I am finally at the point to become a full time fighter and I for one am extremely excited to see what type of fighter I can become. I can't wait to showcase this fighter to my fans and thoroughly enjoy this experience.