The Michigan State MMA Club is gearing up for the NUCA event, where members will compete in sanctioned mixed martial arts bouts. Get the inside scoop on their preparations and aspirations in this article.
| Member | Weight Division |
|---|---|
| Justin Tran | 155 pounds |
| Julio Garcia | 135 pounds |
| Seun Yoo | 155 pounds |
| Sean Lewin | 135 pounds |
The Michigan State MMA Club is preparing for the upcoming NUCA event. Senior Justin Tran, junior Julio Garcia, junior Seun Yoo, and freshman Sean Lewin are getting ready to compete in their respective weight divisions. They are determined to showcase their skills and make their mark in the world of MMA.
Michigan State MMA Club Gears Up for NUCA Event
Members of the Michigan State MMA Club are eagerly preparing for the upcoming NUCA event, where they will have the opportunity to compete in sanctioned mixed martial arts bouts. NUCA MMA, founded in 2017 by Owen Roddy, aims to regulate and govern MMA at the college level, bridging the gap between amateur and professional MMA. The organization has gained recognition for its events, with the first-ever event in 2020 featuring Zeid Ramzi, former president of the MSU MMA Club, who emerged victorious in his bout.
Leading the charge for the club is senior Justin Tran, the current president, who is one of four members getting ready to fight in the NUCA-sanctioned event scheduled for April 12, 2024 in West Virginia. Tran emphasizes the dedication and sacrifice required in the sport, stating, "If you want to love the sport, you gotta hate it." Despite the challenges, Tran is determined to excel in MMA.
Another student preparing for the event is junior Julio Garcia, an animal science major. Garcia, who has been a member of the MMA club since his freshman year, will compete in the 135-pound division. He acknowledges the nerves and pressure that come with stepping into the cage but also describes the "flow state" he experiences during fights.
Junior Seun Yoo, an Economics student, is the third member of the club preparing to compete. Yoo’s interest in combat sports grew after a lonely first year in college, and he found solace in training MMA. He sees the upcoming bout as an opportunity for personal growth and character development.
Freshman Sean Lewin, a supply chain management major, completes the group of competitors. With a background in Muay Thai, Lewin was eager to seize the chance to compete in MMA. Despite his father’s initial reservations, Lewin is determined to make his own decision and test his skills in the NUCA event.
The Michigan State MMA Club is excited to showcase their talent and represent their university in the world of MMA. Stay tuned for their performances at the NUCA event!
