Don’Tale Mayes? Oh, he’s not just any fighter. This guy’s got the punch of a vintage slugger but, surprise, he’s also a technician when he needs to be. Yeah, you heard that right. With state judo championships in Kansas and Indiana under his belt, adaptability is his middle name.
This Saturday, the UFC Apex in Las Vegas is the place to be. Why? Because Mayes is squaring off against Caio Machado. Both of them heavyweight titans who bulldozed their way into the Ultimate Fighting Championship through Dana White’s Contender Series. It’s gonna be epic.
Now, before these giants clash, let’s spill some tea on Mayes. Five things you might not know about this 32-year-old powerhouse:
1. Channeling aggression through martial arts? That’s Mayes for you. Raised in Louisville, Kentucky, he turned to judo and other martial arts to keep his aggression in check and stay out of trouble. Smart move.
2. “Lord Kong” didn’t follow the usual path. Nope. He’s a product of life’s tough lessons, not fancy degrees. Dropped out of Ancilla College, but that didn’t stop him. He jumped into fighting full-time between 2014 and 2015. Talk about forging your own identity.
3. Before stepping into the ring, Mayes got his hands dirty at Servpro. Yeah, the cleanup and restoration gig. He doesn’t talk much about it, but it sounds like it shaped him in some way.
4. Goals? Mayes has them sky-high. He’s in it for the glory and the gold, aiming to be a heavyweight champ. Inspired by Israel Adesanya’s rapid rise, he’s got a two-year plan to make his mark. Jamahal Hill might’ve beaten him to the punch, but he’s not deterred. Not one bit.
5. Mayes is all about elevating the game. He’s itching to take on the best in the heavyweight division, pushing himself and everyone else to new heights. “I’m trying to set the standard and raise the bar,” he says. With his mindset, cardio, and readiness to fight, he’s a force to be reckoned with.
So, there you have it. Don’Tale Mayes, a fighter with a story, ambition, and the skills to back it all up. This Saturday, it’s not just a fight; it’s a glimpse into the future of the heavyweight division. Mayes is ready. Are you?