Robert Whittaker should be a name known to those even with a vague interest in professional martial arts or boxing.
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The New Zealand born Australian is signed to the UFC and a former Middleweight Champion.
He was also the person who Paul Gallen called out after his win over Mark Hunt.
Importantly for the Macleay Valley, he's the man that young MMA fighter Jake Young idolizes.
"He just bought all his UFC cards," Jake's father Chris laughed.
Young is a Year 9 student at Kempsey Adventist School and has spent the last four years focused on a dream.
That dream is to fight in the UFC and be the champion in his weight division.
Young's day to day program is rigorous with training conducted at Rogue MMA Port Macquarie everyday.
"He trains for one to three hours a day which involves yoga, stretching, Jujitsu, Muay Thai and training younger fighters," Chris told the Argus.
"His sparring sessions can go for two hours straight."
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All Jake's preparation will lead to his debut bout on March 20, travelling to Brisbane for a Junior MMA Flyweight contest against Tommy Mokdassi.
The fight is being promoted by BEAST Championship with the night titled as, 'Rise of the Emperor'.
The drive from Euroka to Brisbane is familiar for the Young family with constant travel to the Gold Coast and Newcastle apart of Jake's development and training along with Melbourne for Australian Titles.
To assist with the costs involved, Legacy has been providing support for Young to help him reach his dream.
"Chris is a veteran and single father and we are there to help take some of the pressure off Chris and help Jake achieve his goals," Janelle McKay of Legacy told the Argus.
Young's determination and commitment repays that support with Chris and Janelle commenting on his admirable attitude.
"He's focused on his goal and puts all his work towards becoming a better fighter," they both said.
"Jake loves his fresh fruit and vegetables and eats food that suits his healthy lifestyle."
Along with his commitments to MMA, Young is currently enrolled in an online Sports Coaches Course organised by KAS as part of their passion projects program.
Young's interest in the course comes from a desire to make himself and younger athletes better.
"Just last night he was talking about how to get the best out of athletes so it's something he's always focusing on," Chris said.
Also making the news:
Lachlan Harper
Lachlan Harper is a sports reporter at the Central Western Daily. Contact: lachlan.harper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Lachlan Harper is a sports reporter at the Central Western Daily. Contact: lachlan.harper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
