Ryan MacDonald - Daring to Dream

My name is Ryan MacDonald. I am 24 years of age and recently just opened my own mixed martial arts gym in October. We train boxing, muay thai, jiu jitsu, judo and wrestling.

I was scheduled to make my UFC debut August 15th. Everything was going great inside camp and training up until the rain poured on me all at once. Middle of last week my phone randomly started ghost typing and stopped working. Immediately after, my car overheated and blew a head gasket on the way to Omaha to corner one of my fighters. Then finally the worst of that storm hit! Last Sunday, i got the worst news I've had in my entire life. My big brother had committed suicide! I have been devastated since that night.

Due to the scheduling and family grieving, I was forced to make the most heart breaking decision of my life, which was pulling out of the fight for the UFC's contender series.

My gym right now is my biggest priority. Between breaking even with finances and getting the place looking how I'd like to, winning this contest would help tremendously!!!! Thank you for the opportunity, and I will get to the UFC soon. To show my brother that us dreamers can achieve whatever we set our minds to!!!!

I teach most the classes but have a great staff of accomplished martial artist as well. Thank you guys and gals at Greatmats.

Learn more about Greatmats Most Inspiring Martial Arts Story $1000 Giveaway.

Ryan MacDonald

691ON1 MMA & Fitness

North Platte NE 69101