Bubby Mitchell has molded his life around wrestling, fighting, and mixed martial arts. He started wrestling when he was younger, and in 2003, decided to take it to the next level.

After his first amateur fight in Louisiana, Mitchell was hooked. He fought a few more amateur fights, and then took it to the next level.

"I pulled up to the #2 ISCF ranked fighter, the flyweight, the 125 pound division. And then in 2007, I made a professional debut. After my first fight, I had a really good opportunity," he explained.

Mitchell got a break with the Tai Chi Palace in Leemoore, California, and he's been at it ever since, maintaining a 3-1 record. Now he's helping others follow in his footsteps.

"That right there is kind of what led me into coaching mixed martial arts. It's absolutely fun to watch, and to see someone progress who started from nothing, started from scratch, and then you see these guys now fighting in Bellator Fighting Championships or the UFC."

Mitchell says obviously, it's not the easiest of careers, both on your mind and body. But it can definitely be one of the most rewarding.

"It can be rough so you really have to put work and time into it."

He says one of the hardest things can be training camps before a fight, cutting weight and dieting. But his favorite? Well, that's easy.

"My favorite part? Probably the first meal afterwards. Win or lose in the competitions or the tournaments that you do, or the fights, everyone always says the same thing. You learn. And that's the funnest part about all of it, the best part, is you learn something about yourself. You push yourself to that next level," said Mitchell.

Mitchell says he's gearing up for his third child with his wife. After that, he plans to compete again in late March.

Rush MMA offers scheduled classes starting at 4:30 PM daily with open mat times throughout the day. For more information on Rush MMA in Macon, visit www.rushmma.com or call 478-475-1114.