Zion Clark – the American MMA fighter who was born without legs – beats an able-bodied opponent to WIN his first fight by unanimous decision… while seeking a remarkable promotion to the UFC!
- Zion Clark was born without a lower body but has competed in several sports
- He has now turned to MMA and competed for the first time this week
- The 25-year-old from Ohio beat Eugene Murray by unanimous decision on the debut
- He has his sights set on the UFC and wants to fight his way to the top
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Zion Clark – born without a lower body – beat his first opponent at the Gladiator Challenge in San Diego by unanimous decision.
The 25-year-old from Ohio made headlines earlier this week when he shared his dream of reaching the UFC – and he’s already off to the perfect start.
Clark took on Eugene Murray in a PPV fight in California on Saturday night and defeated his opponent multiple times despite his size difference.
The fight lasted the full three rounds before Clark was then declared the winner by unanimous decision, with his arm raised by the judge in the octagon.
Zion Clark (right) caused his opponent many problems in his MMA debut on Saturday night
At the end of the fight, the referee lifted Murray’s arm, bringing his MMA record to 1-0
Murray, his opponent, didn’t seem too disappointed with the result, but gestured towards Clark to be crowned the winner before the decision was made.
When the judges’ decision was announced, an ecstatic Clark backfliped back into his corner, sending the spectators into a frenzy.
Clark was born with caudal regression syndrome, a serious condition that affects the development of the lower spine.
Despite this, he has been able to participate and compete in numerous sports and is now turning his attention to a career in MMA.
Clark (pictured) was born without a lower body, but that hasn’t stopped him from breaking multiple world records… and now he’s won his first MMA fight
Clark beat Eugene Murray in Saturday’s Gladiator Challenge and has UFC in his sights
“I am exceptional because I have a drive and live by the ‘no excuses’ mantra and push myself every day.
“This is the start of another pro career for me and I’m here to rip his throat out and put on a show for the crowd.”
The inspirational athlete’s life was full of hardships growing up in foster care, but he’s pushed himself to become a high school wrestler extraordinaire and hopes to make it to the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in wheelchair racing.
“People made fun of me because I didn’t have legs,” he said. “The best way to deal with haters is to use hate to lift yourself up.
“The haters are your biggest fans – use that to your advantage.
Despite his disability, 25-year-old Clark was able to participate in numerous sports and compete
“School wasn’t the best time for me, but when I was older I could turn it around and go to college and do whatever I wanted to do.”
Clark also sees an opportunity to compete in the UFC – but his first major test comes when he puts on the gloves this weekend.
“For me, it’s the same as wrestling. I only wrestle able-bodied people and I beat able-bodied people,” he told TMZ.
“Now I’m fighting able-bodied, and I’m going to KO able-bodied. It’s as simple as that. I’m a fighter.’
Clarke takes his foray into MMA very seriously, training with former UFC stars like Rampage Jackson, Mike Perry and Anderson Silva.
His opponent – Eugene Murray – has a four-fight win record and failed to claim his first win this weekend.