Get ready for an epic MMA showdown as the Mountain Warrior, Dustin “Dirt” Cooper, takes on Skyler Mauller. Despite a neck injury, Cooper is determined to fight for his faith and inspire others. Learn more about his journey and the Mountains of Hope Outreach ministry.
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The Mountain Warrior, Dustin "Dirt" Cooper, is gearing up for his final MMA match against Skyler Mauller. Despite a neck injury, Cooper is determined to fight for his faith and inspire others. The match will take place in mid-May at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Cooper’s journey as a fighter is deeply rooted in his personal experiences, and he believes that even in defeat, there is a powerful story of resilience and determination. Through his nonprofit organization, Mountains of Hope Outreach, Cooper aims to impact the lives of children and families in his community. The organization hosts various events, including the annual "Love and Diversity" gathering and a youth wrestling program. Cooper’s upcoming match holds great significance as all the money he earns will be directed towards Mountains of Hope’s goal of acquiring their own land and building. The organization aims to provide counseling services, food and clothing pantries, and recreational activities for children and their families. Cooper’s fighting journey is about personal growth, stepping out of his comfort zone, and fighting for a cause greater than himself. He hopes to inspire others to face their fears and get back up after a loss.
The Final Climb
In mid-May, the Mountain Warrior will step into the cage for his last fight against a formidable opponent named Skyler Mauller. The Mountain Warrior, also known as Dustin "Dirt" Cooper, is not your typical fighter. Instead of competing for trophies and belts, he fights to share his faith and testimony.
Cooper, the co-founder of the nonprofit Mountains of Hope Outreach youth ministry, has been participating in Mixed Martial Arts matches in West Virginia for the past three years. His upcoming match against Mauller will be his most challenging yet, as he battles through a neck injury to face his opponent on May 18 at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
A Fighter with a Mission
Cooper’s journey as a fighter is deeply rooted in his personal experiences. Growing up with a father in prison and a mother struggling with addiction, he and his brother faced numerous hardships. However, Cooper’s natural fighting skills and his unwavering faith have propelled him to inspire others.
"Life was tough for my brother and me," Cooper shared in a recent interview. "But my fighting abilities were a God-given talent. I believed that my skills could inspire people in West Virginia, and they have." Cooper’s dedication to his craft and his desire to make a difference in his community led him to establish the Mountains of Hope ministry.
Mountains of Hope Outreach
Mountains of Hope Outreach was founded by Cooper and his wife, Jana, four years ago. The organization aims to impact the lives of children in their community through various initiatives. One of their popular events is the annual "Love and Diversity" gathering, which provides free activities for children at locations like Kanawha State Forest, Coonskin Park, and Magic Island.
Cooper and his team also collaborate with the New Fire Basketball Ministry to offer recreational opportunities for youths. This year, they are hosting the fourth annual fishing rodeo at Coonskin Park, where children can enjoy fishing and other activities free of charge.
In addition to these events, Mountains of Hope launched a youth wrestling program at the BARN Community Center in Nellis. The program has already produced talented wrestlers who competed at state championship matches.
Fighting for a Cause
Cooper’s upcoming match against Mauller holds great significance for him. All the money he earns from the fight will go directly to Mountains of Hope. The goal for 2024 is to secure their own land and building, allowing them to expand their services and support even more children and families in need.
"We don’t know where God will lead us, but we’re committed to investing our money into this cause," Cooper explained. "The Upper Kanawha Valley-based facility will provide counseling services, food and clothing pantries, and recreational activities. We want to make a lasting impact on the lives of these children and their families."
The Power of Perseverance
Cooper acknowledges that his upcoming match will be tough, but his faith and his ministry give him the strength to face any challenge. He believes that even in defeat, there is a powerful story of resilience and determination.
"Winning or losing doesn’t matter to me as long as I come out okay," Cooper shared. "Getting back up after a loss is where the real lesson lies. Fighting is about personal growth and stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s about fighting for a cause greater than yourself. I’m proud to have laid the foundation for this journey."
To learn more about Mountains of Hope Outreach and support their mission, you can contact Dustin Cooper at 270-206-5331 or [email protected]. You can also visit the Mountains of Hope Facebook page.
