The Octagon is no place for the weak, and MMA can test even the toughest of people. So why carry on? 

Southern Illinois, Benton-born Damon Wilson is an MMA fighter on the now-renowned Cage Warriors production. Fighting out of San Diego, California, Wilson was always destined to compete in combat sports. 

“I’ve wrestled since I was 5 years old and have two older brothers who were very successful in wrestling as well.  

Our father coached us, and we were known as the wrestling family in our area of Southern Illinois.” 

But it was the bright lights of the UFC that eventually drew Wilson towards a career in MMA, from which he has never looked back. 

“We had an uncle that recorded UFC / Pride events in the early 2000s, and we would watch in awe. 

Then after watching the first TUF show on TV, I decided I wanted to have a fighting career.” 

Few fighters have a set location, and Wilson is no different. ‘The Nomad’ has travelled to Idaho, Michigan, Texas and South Dakota in search of work and has therefore trained in plenty of MMA gyms. This gives him no choice but to fight past each challenge to reach his dream. 

Wilson knows giving up isn’t an option due to his inspiration behind fighting, which he was able to talk us through.  

“I’ve drawn from many different inspirations, starting from simply wanting to be a professional athlete and compete for as long as possible to now wanting to set an example for my kids that we all have a purpose in life and should always pursue our passions regardless of societal norms or financial incentives.” 

“My father and mother continue to inspire me through their work ethic as well.” 

MMA pushes Wilson to his limits, but he always retains calmness and composure when discussing his dreams; something that is necessary to succeed in this gruelling sport.

“It’s a blessing to be able to compete, and I hope to continue to fight while my body is able. 

The goal is always to win world titles and make it into the UFC.” 

Wilson was signed to Cage Warriors in 2021 after three consecutive wins in the amateur leagues. His debut saw him defeat John Buttner by TKO in August 2021, and he has since won six more fights whilst only losing twice. 

“Cage Warriors is a great promotion to fight for.” 

“Cage Warriors has a respectable reputation and promotes the fighters wonderfully, and it is certainly the most professional and well-run regional organisation I’ve ever experienced.” 

Crossing paths with Cage Warriors has certainly been a blessing for Wilson, and his high-octane approach to fights has seen him secure four TKO victories. ‘The Nomad’ discussed his thoughts behind his fighting style. 

“Beautiful violence is my fighting style.” 

“I was a fan first, and I know the type of fights I enjoy watching, so I attempt to fight in a way I would be proud of.” 

After a string of victories, Wilson was rewarded with a fight against the supremely talented Tobias Harila, who had been involved in considerably more fights.  

After a close first round Wilson eventually succumbed to his first professional defeat after a flurry of elbows on the ground. Losing is never easy, but Wilson has a positive outlook on a negative occurrence. 

“Over the last several years I have studied stoicism, and the philosophies help me deal with adversity.” 

“Amor Fati is tattooed on my body, which means ‘love fate.’ Whatever happens in life, good or bad, we have to love it.” 

“We can’t control what happens around us, but we are always in control of our emotions and actions; self-doubt can certainly affect one after a loss, but we have to remember to put our focus on the performance instead of the outcome.” 

For Wilson, his MMA career is beginning to take off, but for some, a chapter is closing. So how much of a toll can this gruelling sport really take on you? 

Another fighter who has experienced the thrill of Cage Warriors is 37-year-old Johnny Campbell, who has racked up an impressive 39 fights over his MMA career. 

Campbell also delved into the tough aspects of MMA. 

“The hardest aspect is dealing with your own mind. Setbacks, injuries, losses, weight cuts, pullouts, people ducking, the trash talk, the criticisms. You have to manage it all inside your head and stay focused and positive. It’s a rollercoaster sometimes.” 

Similar to Wilson, Campbell goes into the octagon to entertain and can change his fighting style at any given moment.

“My fighting style is heavily dependent on my opponent. I can sprawl, brawl, wrestle and maul.

I love the art of fighting, and that’s driven me to attempt to learn all gambits equally.”

For many MMA isn’t just a career; it’s a way of life, and that is no different for Campbell. After being in so many fights, he doesn’t agree with the struggles of fighting in smaller promotions and believes a fight is simply a fight.

“Cage Warriors feels very familiar to other smaller organisations; the product is a bit shinier, but at the end of the day, it’s a fight inside of a cage.”

This offers a different outlook on the sport of MMA, with Campbell looking past the struggles of fighting in smaller promotions and just appreciating the opportunity he gets to compete in the sport he has always loved.

Similar to Wilson, Campbell doesn’t like to reflect on losses and is eager to make immediate amends. 

“You pick yourself up, dust off and get back to the drawing board. Learn from it, understand it and accept it. Losses have to be motivation.” 

So, the octagon may be no place for the weak, but it certainly brings out the best in those brave enough to enter.

MMA fighters have studied their craft for years, and for most, they have no choice but to carry on competing in the sport that has made them who they are.