For Calvin Harbaugh, fighting isn’t just about wins and losses — it’s life itself. The Michigan veteran faces Mike Thompson on October 25 at Legends of Combat 5 in Muskegon, and he’s promising fans an unforgettable night.
Harbaugh’s connection to Legends of Combat goes back years. He first captured the promotion’s amateur 135-pound title, staying undefeated while earning the No. 1 ranking in Michigan. He credits promoter Matt Frendo and the production for giving regional fighters a platform that feels bigger than the small-show grind.
“Legends of Combat is the premier promotion in Michigan. I originally competed for them as an amateur winning their 135 lb title en route to an undefeated amateur career & #1 ranking in the state. I’ve always loved the way Matt has treated his fighters & the show they put on is far & away the best I’ve experienced at the regional level. It’s always about more than the fight, it’s about the story, the lights & a promoter’s ability to make it bigger than a fight. Legends delivers that experience every time.”
Harbaugh Discusses Gym Ownership Before Legends of Combat 5
Now nearly a decade into his professional career, Harbaugh has built his life fully around mixed martial arts. He owns his own gym, coaches the next generation, and remains a driven competitor.
“I’m a professional now with almost a decade experience, I own my gym & have all the time in the world to prepare to the best of my ability. I live in the gym & there’s no life I’d rather live than that as a prize fighter & coach.”
Harbaugh on Mike Thompson Fight in Legends of Combat 5
When it comes to his opponent at Legends of Combat 5, Harbaugh doesn’t hold back.
“Mike Thompson is in for a world of hurt October 25th. No disrespect intended, but I’d have to slip on a banana peel in the ring to lose this fight.”
The fight at Legends of Combat 5 is just one step on a larger journey. Harbaugh’s sights are fixed on the UFC while staying committed to mentoring his Deep Water athletes.
“I have dreams of a UFC debut & that is what motivates me every day aside from ministering my athletes, the next generation of champion here at Deep Water.”
His drive recently took him to Las Vegas, where he trained at Syndicate MMA alongside elite fighters like Merab Dvalishvili, Kenny Cross, and Khalil Rountree.
“Watching how they prepare & absorbing their techniques has made all the difference. I’m completely obsessed & immersed in mixed martial arts… it’s just a continuation of improvement, it’s never going to end.”
High Stakes for Harbaugh in Legends of Combat 5
For Harbaugh, resilience is not about bouncing back from defeat but about moving forward through every challenge.
“Resilience is a cool word but I don’t see lows, I see stepping stones. I’ve fought for two world titles and been a national level fighter since my third fight as a pro. I’m not some carefully curated manufactured champion like most of these bums, look at the level of my opponents… next question.”
Even so, he’s not underestimating the stage. A win at Legends of Combat 5 may not define his legacy, but it gives him the chance to showcase his growth, his faith, and his commitment to fans.
“This fight is a win on my record & a highlight for the reel. It does nothing for my legacy but sets me up for fights that will be legendary. People just see numbers & this is another one for the good guys. The real ones, the guys who haven’t been handed shit & earned every opportunity they got. I’m going to create a spectacle for the fans & honor my maker by being at my absolute best for this fight. What it does for me? It gives me life, fighting is life. Refinement, my furnace of affliction.”
When Legends of Combat 5 takes over Muskegon on October 25, Harbaugh intends to deliver on his promise — to create a spectacle, earn another win, and continue the climb toward his UFC dream.
