Discover the rise of Myriad Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Ames, Iowa. Learn how renowned fighters Jake Bower and Kyven Gadson joined forces to create a powerhouse MMA gym. Sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS to stay updated with the latest combat sports action.
| Key Points |
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| Myriad Mixed Martial Arts Academy is the result of a collaboration between Jake Bower and Kyven Gadson, two renowned combat sports athletes. |
| The gym was forced to rebrand and rebuild after being flooded out of its original location. |
| Myriad aims to become the premier destination for heavyweight fighters, leveraging Gadson’s connections within the Iowa State program. |
| Iowa has a rich history of producing top-tier fighters, and Myriad hopes to revive the MMA scene in the state. |
| The gym already has fighters making their amateur debuts and expects rapid progression through the rankings. |
The Rise of Myriad Mixed Martial Arts Academy
After being flooded out of their original location, renowned mixed martial artist and gym owner Jake Bower and NCAA National Champion wrestler Kyven Gadson joined forces to rebrand and open Myriad Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Ames, Iowa . This collaboration between two combat sports legends, coupled with the adversity they faced, has paved the way for a new era in MMA training.
In 2022, Gadson, having stepped away from Team USA Wrestling, was in search of a new challenge. He stumbled upon Bower’s gym on social media and decided to attend a class. Impressed by the training, Gadson and Bower began discussing the possibility of Gadson coaching wrestling and eventually becoming partners in building an MMA gym.
However, fate had other plans for Bower. A devastating flood destroyed his gym, forcing him to rebuild from scratch. This tragedy became a fresh start for Bower and the catalyst for the rebranding of Myriad Submission Fighting into Myriad Mixed Martial Arts Academy. The revamped gym now boasts a team of exceptional coaches, with Bower leading the grappling training, Haris Variz overseeing boxing, Luis Guillen Montenegro heading Muay Thai, and Gadson coaching wrestling.
Gadson, a heavyweight fighter himself, aims to transform Myriad into the go-to destination for heavyweight fighters. Leveraging his connections within the Iowa State program, Gadson envisions turning the gym into a heavyweight factory. With the support of other athletes, including a football player and a former wrestling champion, Myriad has the potential to revive the MMA scene in Iowa.
The state of Iowa has a rich history of producing top-tier fighters such as Pat Miletich and Robbie Lawler. However, in recent years, the talent pool has dwindled. Bower believes that Myriad Mixed Martial Arts Academy will reignite the passion for MMA in the state and produce a new generation of talented fighters.
The gym already has several fighters making their amateur debuts in the coming months, and Bower anticipates their rapid rise through the rankings. Whether it’s wrestling, striking, fighting, or grappling, Myriad Mixed Martial Arts Academy is poised to make a significant impact on the world of combat sports.
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