Cleburn “The Spartan” Walker: The Life of a Young MMA Fighter

Walker’s diligent work and steady attitude are paying off. For his first fight over a year ago, he made $300. For his fight this coming Saturday, he stands to make a purse of $1,200 along with per diem and lodging money. While his earnings have been rising with each fight, these are numbers far off from what we are used to seeing from those in the UFC, Affliction, and other bigger MMA organizations. 

However, Walker’s circumstances are much more typical of most MMA fighters out there, those who struggle with everyday problems, triumphs, and financial concerns far more than the stars we crave to read about. And what Walker currently lacks for in national stardom, he makes up for in attitude.  

In his journey, Walker has learned a great deal about the MMA business and himself and offers the following advice for other young fighters like him trying to make it in a sometimes ruthless business. 

I’ve learned that I will always have a lot to learn, so I am always keeping my eyes and ears open. I always consider the source of any advice I get, and if it’s someone I respect I take their advice to heart. 

I would say the main thing I’ve learned is that it is a business. Not some surreal dream that you live, but a real life that you live. And just like anything else, diligence, respect, work ethic, people skills, and all that stuff play a huge roll. It’s not just about being showy, but about being someone other people want to be around and work with, in addition to being able to win fights.

Offer your support to this young warrior by dropping him a line or two HERE!  He’s a great guy, moving on to big things! 

David Mayeda, PhD, is lead author of Fighting for Acceptance: Mixed Martial Artists and Violence in American Society, the first political book on mixed martial arts, based on in-depth interviews with 40 mixed martial artists, including Randy Couture, “Rampage” Jackson, Dan Henderson, Guy Mezger, Chris Leben, Antonio McKee, Frank Trigg, Travis Lutter, and Cleburn "The Spartan" Walker. The book’s Forward is written by Jason “MayheM” Miller.  

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