FIGHTER PROFILE - JASON SAMPSON

Local fighter profile: Jason Sampson By Andrew Plante


Jason Sampson is an up-and-coming fighter in the local MMA scene. He recently won his first professional fight at SWC 9 in dominating fashion. He's back in action at SWC 10 on Jan. 16, facing Josh Montoya.


Not unlike many MMA fighters, he is driven because of life experiences. His mother left him and his two brothers when Jason was 7. Since then, stepdad Greg Kimbrell has been his sole parental figure. "I consider him my dad," Sampson said. "He's been pushing me and supporting me. ... He's a blessing and inspiration in my life."


Sampson was a self-confessed troubled kid, getting in trouble for fighting in school and experimenting with drugs. He has two brothers in jail because of their involvement with crystal meth. He uses all of these experiences to maintain his focus on becoming a better person in life and a better fighter in the cage.


He began wrestling at the age of 11 as a way to stay out of trouble. He quickly found out that he was pretty talented -- even winning a Pan Am title in 2006 -- and the sport could keep him on the right path if he stuck with it.


In addition to Kimbrell's support, Sampson has numerous friends and family who are helping him to succeed, including girlfriend Monica Mendoza -- who he says "has been pushing me and encouraging me all the way" -- and grandmother Jackie Kimbrell, who "has always been there for me as both a grandmother and a mother." He is dedicating his fight to Mendoza's daughter, Victoria, who turns 14 the day of his next fight.


Coach Allen Mohler from Mohler Jiu-Jitsu probably has been the biggest influence to Sampson's MMA path.


"Coach Mohler has given me a second chance at life by letting me teach at his gym," Sampson said. "He saw things in me and allowed me to have a career. I was going down the wrong path, but Coach Mohler saw good qualities in me -- like my wrestling skills, my heart and my teaching ability -- and gave me a shot. I am the person I am because of Coach Mohler."


Sampson's ultimate goal is to make it into the WEC. Whether or not he gets to that level, Jason has a very good attitude about his life.


"I've bounced back from drug use and a troubled childhood and now have an opportunity to follow my dream," Sampson said. "Not many people get to do what they enjoy every day. I'm lucky to be able to do that."
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I have started to manage Jason and had the chance to have a sit-down with him and William Campuzano, as well as Jason's girlfriend (and the one who keeps him together!), Monica.

Jason is an extremely outgoing individual and has alot of drive to succeed. He looks at a goal, tackles it to the best of his ability and immediately sets another goal. His determination and work ethic have already made him a success, no matter how far he goes. His next fight is tentatively scheduled for May, with a title fight looming in the last week of June.