Tony Sims  had his UFC debut on Saturday June 27th as part of UFC Fight Night 70 in Florida. Tony has been a boxer since the tender age of seven. He began fighting ten years ago, after the death of his brother, who had always encourages him in his boxing. He fights to honor him, and in his recent bout, he did exactly that.
Tony took the fight on a week’s notice, at a weight class above his usual fight weight. He had never heard of his opponent, Steve Montgomery, but he was determined to take the fight regardless. In recent months, he’s maintained a consistent training schedule and stayed in great fighting shape because he has been anticipating a call from the UFC, and didn’t want to have to pass up an opportunity if it came.  Tony says, “I didn’t really prepare directly for my opponent, but trusted that my training would allow me to make adjustments in the fight as needed.” Between the short notice and the new weight class, he was out of his comfort zone more than he’s ever been. Despite this, he says he felt less pressure than he usually does going into a fight.
His training paid off, and he knocked Montgomery down with a lightning-fast cross in the first round. He followed with another powerful left hand, and was declared winner by TKO. Reflecting on the fight, Tony says, “I will never forget this win. I have gone through countless injuries, setbacks, and adversity to get this opportunity. I stuck it out to honor the promise I made to my brother, and I am really proud of the accomplishment.”
We’re proud of Tony too, and can’t wait to see what’s next for him!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu3f7JZPCwg