Airman Mark Wirth Doubling as Professional MMA Fighter

The following is written by Airman Daniel Brosam, 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs, as a part of the U.S. Air Force’s “Through Airmen’s Eyes” series:

Mixed martial arts fighting is not for the faint hearted. It takes effort and full-time dedication to be the best of the best in the octagonal cage.

For Senior Airman Mark Wirth, a 819th RED HORSE Squadron structural engineer, he believes he has the motivation and dedication to rise from amateur to professional fighting.

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Wirth grew up in Fresno, Calif., where he got into a lot of fights as a child, he said. He practiced backyard boxing and watched ultimate fighter shows which made him determined to take it further.

“I started watching the ultimate fight shows and it got me interested in wanting to better myself,” Wirth said. “It seemed like those guys were like superheroes almost. I wanted that feeling.”

Wirth started out practicing Muay Thai at a gym, a technique used for striking and kicking. Just as he was getting involved, things began to change in his personal life.

“When I turned 19 my wife and I got married,” he said. “Times …Read the Rest

Source:: Tactical Life