Massillon's Zion Clark achieves MMA historical first in winning his pro debut
The inaugural Canton Repository Best of Stark Courage Award winner continues to make his mark in the sports world. Former Massillon state champion track athlete and wrestler Zion Clark won his professional Mixed Martial Arts debut in San Diego recently.
Clark defeated Eugene Murray by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-27, 30-27 at Gladiator Challenge: Seasons Beatings on Saturday — achieving MMA history as the first legless person to beat an able-bodied opponent, according to USA Today's MMA Junkie. Clark was born without a lower body because of a condition called caudal regression syndrome.
Clark used his wrestling background to secure a variety of takedowns for the easy victory over Murray (0-5). Clark trained with former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson as well as former Bellator featherweight champion AJ McKee for his debut.
Overcoming the odds is nothing new for Clark. He won the 100-meter seated and 400 seated events at the 2016 OHSAA Track and Field Championships. He also wrestled for the Tigers and was 33-15 as a senior. Clark went on to star in wrestling for Kent State Tuscarawas and was ranked eighth in the country by the National Collegiate Wrestling Association at 125 pounds in 2018.
Clark, who has more than one million followers on Instagram, appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in 2019 with his mother. He has also appeared on a podcast with boxing legend Mike Tyson and released his first book a year ago.
Clark has since moved to California. He does motivational speaking, has set some Guinness World Records (including the fastest human on two hands in a 20-meter run at 4.78 seconds), and continues to train. In addition to his MMA training, he also wants to become the first American athlete to compete in both the Olympic (wrestling) and Paralympic (wheelchair racing) games in 2024.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Zion Clark, former Massillon wrestling/track star, wins MMA debut
