Amateur MMA fighter makes nothing to go pro
Losing is something few tend to take well, but for a teenage boy losing a fight, it might seem like a ball and chain on his social agenda.
Years ago, Mike Putnam was a tenth grader at Bellefonte High School, finding himself in an altercation with a peer that challenged his masculinity. The fight, however, was all but lost.
"I remember thinking to myself I wasn't embarrassed or angry at the other kid," Putnam said. "I just hated losing. I never wanted that feeling again."
Several weeks later a member of Titan Fitness came to his high school, talking about personal training and joining their gym. Putnam recalled it being an instant match.
Joining the gym in that year, it was never about revenge. He said he remembered just loving the feeling of competition. Putnam played quarterback and wrestled for the schools team before hand, so the thrill of competition was a natural fit.
"It's like a drug, I can't get enough of it," he said smiling. "I took a few years off from my senior year to sophomore year in college, but I had to come back."
Putnam went to Penn State for a few years until he realized his window of pursuing professional fighting was getting smaller.
Now an amateur MMA fighter, Putnam works two jobs and trains consuming all of his time. As an amateur, he makes no money and fights at events to build his record in hopes of one day becoming a professional fighter.
He travels to Ohio on his own dime in order to compete in the NAAFS proving grounds league, building his resume fight after fight. At 4-1 now, Putnam said he will need to win several more before being considered for the next step of amateur fighting -- a tournament style ladder, which if won would get him his shot.
"I know it's a long road, but that is just more motivation," He said. "It's a small town, from [State College] to Bellefonte, and I know people doubt what I can do.
"That's all the motivation I need. I know the people that say you can't do it will be the first ones who want to shake your hand when you make it. I work hard because I want that day to come."
A fighter's father
Bill Putnam has been watching his son wrestle all the way back through grade school. However to him, MMA is a different animal. Putnam senior speaks about the conflict of Mike's choice to pursue this career.
Akron, Ohio NAAFS Proving Grounds
In a community center just across the Pennsylvania border, 13 fights took place including Putnams. The North American Allied Fighting Series (NAAFS) host amateur fights for all fighters who wish to participate. Tickets were $35 for fans and $25 for friends and family of the fighters.
