In a recent episode of the Couch Warrior Podcast, Garrett Armfield opened up about his journey from childhood martial arts training to making his mark in the UFC.
Garrett Armfield Talks MMA Journey to the UFC
From a young age, Garrett was deeply involved in martial arts, trying his hand at wrestling, boxing, and karate since the age of four.
“I’ve been put in martial arts since I was like a kid. So, you know, I’ve always been involved in it in some way, shape, or form,” he shared.
By the time he was 18, Garrett had his first amateur MMA bout, going professional at the age of 21.
However, pursuing a career in MMA wasn’t an easy decision for Garrett. As he reflected on his journey, he admitted, “I realized that I can be pretty good at this thing, but I didn’t know if I wanted it to be a career yet.” He also recalled the financial struggles he faced during his early years, working as a waiter in South Florida, living from tip to tip. Despite the challenges, Garrett’s dedication and hard work eventually paid off when he got signed by the UFC at 25.
Reflecting on his early fights, Garrett shared an experience that had made him nervous for the first time.
“The first time I fought for CFFC, I was fighting a guy that was touted to be pretty good in Philadelphia. It was my first out-of-town fight, and it was the first time I ever had to travel,” he recounted.
Despite the nerves, Garrett surprised himself and the audience by securing a first-round knockout.
Jump to the UFC
Garrett’s UFC journey began in an unconventional way. For his UFC debut, he took a fight on short notice against David Onama, a rematch up a weight class from a previous bout where he had been defeated.
“I was just relieved that all the hard work paid off. And, um, I was just happy to be there and I was really excited for the opportunity,” Garrett recalled.
Though he didn’t secure a win in that fight, Garrett’s spirit remained undeterred. He later moved to Kansas City, experiencing a resurgence in his career with notable wins over Toshiomi Kazama and Brad Katona, inching closer to the top-15 in his weight class.
In recent fights, Garrett’s performances have been turning heads. His victory over Brad Katona was particularly memorable.
“To be able to go out there and game plan out a victory and get a win by out-technique-ing him was a huge feather in my cap,” he proudly stated.
Garrett’s ability to adapt, strategize, and execute his game plan has marked him as a rising talent in the UFC.
When asked about his routine on fight day, Garrett emphasized the importance of a good breakfast, meditation, and relaxation before heading to the venue. He highlighted his love for fight week, enjoying the break from intense training and the excitement of the upcoming bout.
Future Fights
Armfield is slated to make his return to the Octagon on June 15th against Brady Hiestand in Las Vegas.
Armfield’s journey from childhood martial arts training to UFC success is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and passion for the sport. With his recent surge in the UFC and impressive performances, the 27-year-old is undoubtedly a fighter to watch in the coming months. As he continues to climb the ranks and chase his dreams, fans can expect more thrilling fights and memorable moments from this rising MMA star.
For those interested in following Garrett’s journey, he can be found on Instagram at @GarrettArmfield135 and on Twitter at @GarrettArmfield.
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