In March 2007 while conducting research in Travis Lutter’s gym over in Fort Worth, TX, I had the privilege of interviewing a young man named Cleburn Walker. At the time, Walker was a true MMA novice if ever there was one.
Then 23 years old, Walker had just finished time with the Marine Corps and was forging a possible career in MMA. Despite looking as muscled as any other fighter I’d met, I’m not going to lie, I had my doubts about this young aspiring fighter.
In our first interview, Walker shed light onto his pathway towards MMA, entering his first professional competition with only his military training behind him and literally no formal MMA instruction. Said Walker:
No, no MMA training whatsoever. I had just got out of the Marine Corps, and one of the things we did was wrestled, submitted each other a lot as way of establishing somewhat of a pecking order outside of our rank structure, to fight each other without actually fighting, so I thought I could fight on the ground, and from past experiences, I thought I could fight standing up well enough to defend myself, and I knew I was in shape. So I thought, what the hell let’s just jump in head first and see how it goes.
Although the rookie from Stephenville, TX didn’t come out victorious in his first contest, Walker pushed on.
A year later, “The Spartan” has erased my doubts and proven to be a warrior in and out of competition. This coming Saturday night, July 26, at the Reliant Arena in Houston, TX, Walker will enter full MMA competition again. However, since our interview about a year ago, Walker has gone on to win a string of matches without any losses.
Recently, Walker spoke with me again to talk about how he’s grown as a fighter, balancing life as a single father and pursing his dream of making it big in the MMA world.
After going through some personal issues, Walker moved into his own place with his two young children. He mentioned some of the challenges young fighters can deal with, which we don’t hear about from established superstars who have greater financial resources.
It’s kinda crazy because it’s just me raising them right now, and I can’t afford child care, so I just take them with me everywhere I go. To train, to get groceries, to eat, everything. I am arranging it so that their mom and her parents can watch them on the weekends so I can be more consistent with coming to Travis’ (Lutter) gym to train.
In addition to training under the tutelage of others, Walker is now earning income as an instructor. His combination of teaching and continuing to learn from experts in the industry have given him confidence as he approaches Saturday night.
12 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
Samuel Ebeyer 11 months ago
Glad we got to hear about this guy.
Edit Comment Cancel
Dorothy Willis 11 months ago
Cleburn Walker sounds like a name straight out of the "Old West" so, at least in my opinion, the Spartan has a great chance to succeed. Thanks for the realistic look at someone starting out in MMA. I know that I will be following his career with great interest now.
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 11 months ago
different - and very refreshing, somethin new that I did not know about fighters
good luck for him mate - loved your piece
take care
Edit Comment Cancel
dallas klum 11 months ago
yup! Im proud to say that cleburn is THE best coach i have ever had/have. He is so positive and such a complete person that their is no doubt you are going to see him in the big shows in the next few years. GOOD LUCK BRO!
Edit Comment Cancel
James Gray 11 months ago
I am proud to say that I have had the opportunity to train with Cleburn, and his work ethic, determination, and commitment is what makes legends. He is humble, a good father, and puts the Lord first in all that he does. He can't possibly lose. AND HIS GROUND GAME IS ABSOLUTELY SICK!!!
Edit Comment Cancel
Cleburn Walker 11 months ago
Thanks for all the support from everyone who read this. Thanks even more to David Mayeda for being so willing to spend some of his time on me. I truly appreciate it all and will do my very best to motivate the guys I train with, and excite the people who watch me fight!
Edit Comment Cancel
David Mayeda 11 months ago
My pleasure Clebo! I know you'll do everyone proud on Saturday!
Edit Comment Cancel
sheila winn 11 months ago
Cleburn: OMG! I can't believe it is you. You may remember me and mine. When you were in Groesbeck we lived next door to your aunt and uncle. I see your mom and dad every so often. J & T keep us up on what you r doing. I knew you were fighting but had not watched you. Last night I watched for the first time. I will admit it was un-nerving watching someone you know fight. Let me just say.... You did really well. I was watching and cheering you on; it was exciting!
Being around you the short time I was, I knew you were looking for something. I found your personality to be calm, friendly but serious. I watched you and no matter what the conversation was if someone was speaking to you you really listened. You took in every word. That is a great quailty to have. I found you to be deep personalty, very intelligient but ya just didn't know what road to take. Obviously you chose the correct one. Looks like the marines was a great choice for you. I would never have dreamed you would be a MMA. I really think you are going to go a long way with this, you have everything needed to take you all the way. I enjoyed reading your interview with Maydea. When reading it I could truly feel you commitment to the sport. You should be very proud of yourself, all that is written about ya is very positive. Your commitment to your sport, children and God is very admirable. Maydea said you are humble, you hang on to that quality! Congrats on the win last night, keep doing what you are doing. Looking forward to the next round. The Winn's, David, Sheila and Will
P.S. I am buying the book, if you get down here I will get your signature.
Edit Comment Cancel
Maribel Alkek 11 months ago
I can truly say that Cleburn Walker will definitely go places not only with the determination & skills he has but he also has the personality to go with it all. I can only wish him the best. I wish I could be there to take his next winning pics as I did the first time I met him but unfortunately, I will be at another mma event.
Cleburn is an awesome fighter who mma fans need to make it a point to check him out. He is such an awesome fighter and yes, his ground game rocks!
Edit Comment Cancel
Jamie Solis 11 months ago
You are a true champion my good freind, aready knowing your heart and mind are your strongest advantige in the ring
Edit Comment Cancel
Mairi Elliott 11 months ago
Cleburn- You fought so well and gave us a great fight to watch on Saturday night! I new from the minute I saw you at Baker St. that you would win the next night. Proud to have met you and I will certainly be following your career now and thanks for the pic after the fight... David, Thanks for writing an article with substance about a person with character rather than just flash.
Edit Comment Cancel
Justin Monk 11 months ago
Just wanted to drop a line and say to those who do not know Cleburn, you really don't have to worry about this guy getting a big head. With Cleburn it's what ya see is what you get...He is one of the most stand up guys I've ever known. The word humble does not define him, he defines it! An extremely good hearted guy. He has all the traits for this buisness especially with will power, determination, and I have to mention just raw toughness. His skills will just get better and better and that's dangerous because he's already got the heart and mind for it all. Cleburn "The Spartan" Walker is a Champion in the making!! Good job last night Clebo, glad we got to make it!!!
Take care brother, J. Monk
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.