Cameron Chism-Brungard has only spent 90 seconds inside the cage for RUF Nation, but in those two knockout performances, the 28-year-old has advanced to the Road To ONE semifinal at RUF 46 on Saturday, March 26.
Chism-Brungard to Put Hometown ‘On The Map’ at Road to ONE
The “Dark Shark” will meet Tra’Von “Yimaz Wildman” Butler in an attempt to move one step closer to getting a six-figure contract with ONE Championship.
But his “Road To ONE” has never been easy.
“My parents were in the military, so I didn’t get to see them that much. I had some anger towards them for it, but now I see they did what is best for me and helped me become the person I am today,” said Chism-Brungard.
“I have some childhood trauma from being assaulted, but I don’t let it stop me. It sucks. I have moments where I’m not okay, but it’s one of the things people don’t talk about, so I talk about mine. Hopefully, it gets people to open up about their past experiences with it.”
But to continue to use his platform to speak out regarding the topic, the rising heavyweight talent must continue to win.
The Pennsylvanian got his start courtesy of Disney.
“I watched a Disney movie as a kid called “Going to the Mat” about a blind kid who was new to the area and picked up wrestling. I talked to my dad about it because he did it too, and that’s how I got involved,” said the 28-year-old.
After finding a path to train in mixed martial arts, a 21-year-old Chism-Brungard made his amateur debut. But even that was not easy.
The “Dark Shark” was undersized and intimidated by the process. But once leather met flesh, he knew he found his calling.
“My first fight, I took it on two weeks’ notice. I came up from 180 to fight someone at 205, and we met at 190. I missed weight because I was too small. I had to reweigh in to make 183 to fight this guy,” said the Williamsport resident.
“At that moment, I wasn’t sure. But then it was fight night, and I’m scared, and I’m walking out, and I look around. I’m 21 years old, and I just see all these eyes looking at me. I’m panicking. The doctor does the check, Vaseline, the whole thing, and then they announce me, and I’m nervous and freaking out like what did I get myself into.”
“The bell rings, and I swing and make contact, and I’m like, okay, this isn’t too bad. And he hits me back with a Superman punch, and it was in that moment that I knew I love what I get to do.”
Since then, Chism-Brungard enjoyed growing as a martial artist on the amateur circuit before turning pro in 2021. He has matured physically, mentally, and emotionally. And he has always been open about his own health to try and be an inspiration for others.
“When you fight and win, you get interviewed. They put the mic in your face, and all eyes and ears are on you, and that’s the moment I get to speak my mind and hopefully inspire people. I’m a 28-year-old with autism, ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and BPD. So, it’s safe to say, I’m not put together the way the average person is,” said Chism-Brungard.
“And there is nothing wrong with that and because I know there’s other people and kids just like me. They just need one person to show them they can too. I want to be one of those guys for other people. Even if it’s just for one person, I did my job.”
Now the 28-year-old stands just two wins away from jumping onto a global stage, where he can have a platform to achieve his goals.
It is an opportunity that is not lost on the heavyweight.
“I have a chance to bring my small city of Williamsport, PA, a World Championship. I have a chance to bring a ONE title to my home. A place no one talks about, and no one knows,” said the “Dark Shark.”
“I have a chance to put this town on the map. When people say Williamsport, they will think of Cameron Chism.”
But before he can bring his city a gold belt, he must defeat Tra’Von “Yimaz Wildman” Butler to advance to the “Road To ONE” heavyweight tournament final. He is ready for that battle that is just a week away.
RUF 46: Road To ONE: Heavyweight Tournament Semifinals can be streamed live for $14.99 on www.rufnation.com. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased via eTix.
