B/R Exclusive: West Virginia's Wes Lane Just Wants His Chance to Shine

While most West Virginians make a living in the infamous coal mines, Wes Lane wants to make a career off fighting for his life in a cage compared to a mine shaft.

The 28-year-old Elk River native recently spoke with Bleacher Report MMA and is quite the complex fighter inside the cage. In 2002, Lane was a state champion in wrestling at 140 pounds, but don't expect to see him grinding out any decision victories.

"I like the slams but I prefer to stand. I'm game wherever the fight goes though," said Lane.

Lane's inclination to stand and trade, despite having a background in wrestling, emerged from his professional boxing days. Although most people believe pro boxing experience would be a plus for any fighter, that's not necessarily the case with Lane.

He was unaware of the fact that once one competed as a pro boxer, they automatically relinquish any amateur status in MMA as well. This lack of knowledge would come back to haunt him as he would be suspended following a bout in Ohio.

Why was Lane traveling so far for just an amateur bout you might ask?

Until recently, MMA was banned in West Virginia so Lane and other aspiring MMA fighters in the Mountain State were forced to travel outside state lines to compete. That all changed when Lane had his first professional MMA fight at the first MMA event in West Virginia.

"It was awesome. I was able to go weigh in and then come back home to my own bed," said Lane.

Sleeping in one's own bed may sound simplistic, but when you're having to cut weight and not eat or drink, it's the simple things like sleeping in your own bed that can make all the difference in the world.

The difference obviously paid off as Lane got his first professional MMA win and will look to continue the good times this Saturday Feb. 4th.

Things haven't always looked so bright for Lane during his life.

Coming out of high school, Lane had his first child and was forced to drop out of college.

"I tried to play ball in college but you know I had to work. I had a kid to provide for," said Lane.

This sentiment holds true for Lane even in these rough economic times. While most people are searching desperately for a job, Lane is taking time off from the work force to focus on training.

He may not be working a full-time job at the moment, but with a wife and three kids, Lane still finds it difficult to get into the gym.

"It's hard finding the time to train. I mean you need to train and then you have your family and they need time with you too," said Lane.

Lane's other family and gym is Butch Hiles Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA. Hiles, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, has been one of the key figures in getting MMA legalized in West Virginia.

Hiles was able to get MMA legend Wanderlei Silva to come and do a seminar at the gym. Lane was lucky enough to go a round with "The Axe Murderer." It was an event Lane was happy to experience.

"Yeah, it was cool just to be in there with a guy like Wanderlei," said Lane.

When I mentioned seeing a video of a kid who looked like he was 12, was at a Silva seminar and decided to go hard against the former champion, Lane began to laugh.

"Yeah, that was at our gym. He was from out-of-state. He looked like a 15 year old kid," said Lane.

Lane is quick to support his instructor when asked about the gym.

"Butch Hiles is the best gym in West Virginia. He's really one of the few Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts in West Virginia," said Lane.

He should know about being a rarity in West Virginia. No fighter inside the state, let alone the world, likely has a nickname quite like Lane does.

Once I got a hold of the featherweight fighter, the first question I had to ask him was about his nickname.

"So I have to ask, how did you get the nicknamed 'Limp Noodle'?"

Lane laughs and presents a typical story of fighter nicknames.

"I was 18 and working at this construction job and some guy got tough and called me a *****. It was just one of those nicknames that stuck and I decided to keep it," said Lane.

Beyond attempting to win his next fight and balance the daily grind of training and family time, Lane just wants a chance to shine.

"It's hard to get noticed, man. I'm not doing this just to do it, I want to make something of it." Lane continues, "Of course I'd like to make it to the UFC, that's the goal."

"Limp Noodle" certainly has the attitude that Dana White would love.

"I'm a 145-er but I've been taking fights at 155 for most of my career. My coaches and people don't think I should take it but I'll fight any time I can just to get out there," said Lane.

With knockout power like this to go with a solid wrestling base, look for Lane to make a lot of people notice now that he has the opportunity.