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Interest in mixed martial arts is growing rapidly around the world. That growth can be seen here in Utah as several local fighters have left their mark in the sport.
Kearns native DaMarques Johnson is one of those fighters. He is starring in Spike TV's "The Ultimate Fighter" reality series. He has a chance to win a six figure contract with UFC.
On Monday, Johnson returned to his alma mater Kearns High School to speak to students about his reality tv experience and how mixed martial arts has changed his life for the better.
"The message I would give to kids is just find something and be passionate about it and go after it," Johnson said. "Expect some obstacles, expect some roadblocks but don't let anybody tell you you can't. And just because someone is telling you that you can't doesn't mean you have to listen to it or believe it."
KSL sports reporter Jeremiah Jensen sat down with DaMarques to discuss his new found fame, how he reached this point, and where he wants to go from here. You can see that interview on SportsBeat Sunday.
Johnson can be seen on Spike TV's "The Ultimate Fighter" Wednesday at 8pm.
