PHOENIX -- Matthew Betzold is not your ordinary Mixed Martial Artist. You might even say he has a leg up on the competition because Matt is MMA first amputee fighter.
Matt lost his leg when he was 6-years-old. He was poisoned by a family friend. He was either going to lose his leg or his life. Matt’s parents decided to amputate Matt’s left leg in hopes of giving him a second chance at life.
But life didn’t get easier for Matt. Kids in school would pick on him on a regular basis. Despite his limitations, Matt would still fight back. These fights made Matt ask himself one simple question. Is there a way to fight for a career?
That is when Mixed Martial Arts entered Matt’s life. His brother took him to see a match and he instantly fell in love with the sport. He started going to grappling tournaments to improve his skills for the cage, but even with his experience the Arizona Boxing Commission constantly denied him a license to fight.
Fast forward to October 3, 2009, Matt was cleared by the commission and fought Robert Mendoza and won with an armbar in the very first round.
Matt’s MMA career is on the rise right now. As long as he stays a step ahead of his opponents he should continue prosper in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.
