MMA fighter Randy Brown is optimistic about his father’s upcoming parole hearing; his father has been incarcerated for more than 30 years under the RICO Act and has maintained a constant presence in his son’s life.
Randy Brown’s MMA career has been filled with memorable moments, but perhaps none was as meaningful as being able to fight in the UFC when his father could watch him perform. This may not seem like a monumental occasion for most fighters, but Brown’s father has been incarcerated for more than 30 years. Despite the challenges, he has maintained a constant presence in his son’s life. Brown’s father is currently serving time in USP Lewisburg, a medium security Federal penitentiary in Pennsylvania, having been convicted under the 1970 RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act.
Brown’s father was prosecuted for organized crime activities such as drug trafficking, robbery, and extortion. After his conviction, Brown’s mother was deported back to Jamaica, where he grew up. Even while he was away, Brown maintained a relationship with his father through phone calls and visits back to the U.S. Regardless of the distance, Brown has stayed in constant contact with his father, saying, “I see him a lot, I see him almost like twice a month…I actually had my dad in my life the entire time.”
Although it has been difficult for Brown to have his father in prison for almost his entire life, he believes that there is finally a chance for his family to be reunited if an upcoming hearing goes his father’s way. Brown shared, “He has one more [hearing] coming up…He had a few already, he was denied before in the past, but he hasn’t had an incident in there in like 20 years.” His father is now involved in various programs, mentoring, and has devoted his life to god. With many laws having changed since his father’s incarceration, Brown thinks it is time for his father to be released, so that he can be with his family and grandchildren.
Brown is aware that nothing is guaranteed with the parole hearing, but he remains optimistic about his father’s potential release. He is also determined to change the narrative surrounding his family name through his MMA career. With a 12-year-old son of his own, Brown strives to be a positive example and role model, saying, “My job is to change the narrative of the last name Brown. My job now as an MMA fighter, this small thing that I do, I want to change my entire name for everyone.”