Software developer and CEO Westin Wilson competes as a UFC fighter not out of necessity, but out of passion, a passion sparked as a junior high student that he has made room for in his life despite also meeting the expectations to earn a degree and establish a successful career; Wilson, now training at Upstate Karate, is set to make his UFC debut against Joanderson Brito.
Currently a part of UFC Vegas 76, Westin Wilson is a distinctive fighter who pursues fighting by choice, despite his successful career as a software developer and owner of a software company. The 34-year-old fell in love with fighting after he was introduced to UFC by a friend of his father, a Drug Enforcement Agency worker. His family’s move to Brazil during his wrestling days turned his focus entirely to MMA. As he recalls the initial days of engaging in MMA when there were no regulations in Brazil, he describes being pummeled by formidable Brazilian fighters, an experience that solidified his passion for the sport.
Maintaining a balance between his passion for fighting and a career safety net, as promised to his mother and wife, Wilson marked his journey in MMA without letting it become his only option. He fulfilled his expected societal roles by obtaining a degree and securing a well-paid job that provided the flexibility he needed for fighting. Motivated by his love for the sport, he never felt a need to quit his job to focus solely on MMA.
Few years ago, Wilson moved to South Carolina and started working at Upstate Karate, popular for producing two-time UFC title challenger Stephen Thompson. The change led to a new opportunity in UFC for Wilson. Under the coaching of Ray Thompson, who Wilson shares a relationship akin to father and son with, he made his debut against Joanderson Brito. Wilson, along with other up-and-coming fighters, attributes his resurgence to Ray Thompson’s efforts and strategies to make his team more prominent in the UFC in the near future. Wilson, with an impressive 100% finishing rate across 16 career wins, continues to refine his style while training alongside Thompson.
Known for being one of the most technical strikers in MMA, Thompson has been a mentor for Wilson, despite their distinct fighting styles. Sporting a self-deprecating sense of humor, Wilson compares his fighting style to a Wal-Mart brand version of Thompson’s, adding that he’s like a budget-friendly version of “Wonderboy”. Despite the jokes, Wilson acknowledges the incredible success of “Wonderboy” and aims to emulate his footsteps in the UFC. Wilson’s ambition is not only to be a successful fighter, but also a role model for aspiring kids, inspiring them with his story.