In the world of sports, unexpected beginnings often lead to remarkable journeys. For Andrew DeVito, a 17-year-old from Kenosha, Wisconsin, an initial reluctance to train transformed into a passion for mixed martial arts (MMA), ultimately putting him on a path to international competition and potential professional success.
DeVito’s journey began when his parents encouraged him to take self-defense classes four years ago. Despite his initial hesitation, he found himself captivated by the sport after stepping onto the mat. His dedication led him to become an MMA national champion, earning him a spot on Team USA for international events in London, Brazil, and Greece.
Currently, DeVito is training for the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) Pan-American Championships in Columbia, slated for next month. Reflecting on his early days, DeVito shared with WPR’s “Wisconsin Today,” “After that first practice, I knew I wanted to compete. And then the competitions just kept getting bigger and bigger.”
Despite initial concerns from his parents about the risk of injury, DeVito reassures them with the sport’s protective rules, noting that youth MMA, often called pankration, prohibits head strikes. “When I first started, my mom would be terrified, holding the camera and shaking,” he recounted. “Now they just think it’s really cool. They’re super supportive of it.”
What It Takes to Make It
DeVito’s training routine is rigorous, particularly during the summer months when he trains up to seven hours a day. During the school year, he maintains a demanding schedule, waking up at 4:30 a.m. to lift weights before school and returning to the gym after classes until 8 p.m.
His dedication is supported by both his parents and school, allowing him to occasionally miss classes for training or competitions, provided he keeps up with his studies. “The school supports it a lot, honestly,” DeVito acknowledged.
The MMA community in Wisconsin provides a robust support network for fighters like DeVito. Eric Anderson, co-owner of Iron Works Training Center in Holmen, Wisconsin, notes the interconnected nature of the sport. “Our guys will go train at multiple gyms, and guys will come to our gym and train just to get different looks,” Anderson explained to “Wisconsin Today.”
This community spirit has fueled the growth of MMA in the state, with events like the semiannual 3 River Throwdown MMA fight in Onalaska seeing increasing participation and audience sizes. Anderson observes that many young fighters start with jiu-jitsu for self-defense and gradually transition to full MMA, much like DeVito.
The Long Road to UFC
While few amateur fighters make it to the UFC’s lucrative stage, the dream remains a powerful motivator. Anderson emphasizes the determination of fighters, stating, “It’s not like someone’s coming to the show thinking, ‘Oh, I’m just gonna do this and get beat up.’ They all are confident. They all think they’re gonna go somewhere.”
DeVito shares this ambition, aiming to become a UFC champion. Upon turning 18, he plans to compete as an amateur, with hopes to go professional around age 20. Success in the professional arena could potentially catch the eye of the UFC.
