BRANDON THATCH
HEAD COACH
UFC VETERAN
What made you get into Mixed Martial Arts?
My mom enrolled me in martial arts as a way to help channel my energy—I was always restless and getting into trouble at school for not being able to sit still. Martial arts gave me a positive outlet and, for the first time, I was being recognized for something I was actually good at. I really liked that feeling, and I thrived in that environment
Tell us about your journey, background and accomplishments
I’ve always approached fighting with an aggressive, finish-first mindset. Over the course of my MMA career, I built a professional record of 11 wins, with 8 of those coming by knockout. My UFC debut was a major moment for me — I stopped Justin Edwards in the first round and earned the Knockout of the Night bonus, which really put me on the map. Shortly after, I submitted veteran Paulo Thiago in under three minutes, showing I wasn’t just a striker. One of the most memorable nights of my career was stepping in as the main event against former UFC champion Benson Henderson. It was a war, and even though I didn’t get the win, we earned Fight of the Night honors and were later recognized by ESPN for one of the best fights of the year. My time in the UFC had its challenges, but I always came to fight, and I’m proud of the performances I left in that Octagon.
What is your goal as a coach?
My goal as a martial arts coach is to develop not only skilled fighters, but strong, disciplined, and resilient individuals—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I strive to pass down the knowledge and spirit of martial arts with integrity, helping each student unlock their full potential, whether they’re preparing to step into the cage or simply training for personal growth. I’m not just building athletes—I’m building warriors