When “Arkansas” and “MMA” are used in the same sentence, Bryce Mitchell often is the topic of discussion.
Beginning with his promotional debut at UFC on ESPN+ 27, TJ Brown hopes to add his name into that same conversation in an effort to bolster awareness of MMA as a rising sport in “The Natural State.”
“For the people of Arkansas to see me, Bryce (Mitchell), and Luis (Pena) really coming up into the UFC and make it to the big show, it really shows the younger guys coming up that it’s possible,” Brown told MMA Junkie. “It’s possible to make it here in Arkansas. If you’re willing to put the work in and sacrifice, we can do it right here in Arkansas. We’ve got some talent here. Now that we’ve had a little bit of breakthrough, I’m ready to pave the road.
“… If you could see the growing support we’re adding for the Arkansas MMA community, it’s huge right now – along with wrestling. We now have a Division-I wrestling program in Arkansas. The whole culture and combat sports community is really growing in Arkansas. That would really be great to have in the future.”
Brown has close ties to Mitchell (12-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) and Pena, the other two fighters representing Arkansas on the big stage. Brown serves as the main training partner to Mitchell and was Pena’s coach early in his career.
“Bryce has helped my game a lot on the ground, and I believe I’ve helped him a lot standing,” Brown said. “We were able to come together at a good time, and I’m so thankful to have him as my No. 1 training partner. We’re fixing to show everybody in the world and the UFC just how good we are.”
While being a good representative of Arkansas is important to Brown, it pales in comparison to his main objective in life: being the father he never had himself. When Brown competed in a contract-earning effort on Dana White’s Contender Series this past summer, his son was a focal point of the broadcast. He was cageside to watch his dad pull off a comeback victory.
“It was amazing,” Brown said of being able to share the experience with his son. “I didn’t have a father growing up. For me, I always said when that time came I was going to man up and get the job done. My son would never ask, ‘Who’s dad?’ or ‘Where’s dad?’ I’ve been able to live not only through my words, but by example.
“I’ve showed him through hard work and determination that anything in life is possible. To be able to really be a role model for my son and to let him see that first hand has been huge. Hopefully, I’m going to continue to do that and lead by example.”
His 8-year-old son will be in attendance Saturday when dad makes his UFC debut against Jordan Griffin. Training out of Roufusport in Milwaukee, Griffin is a tough opponent, Brown admitted. Regardless, he sees his hand being raised.
“I’ll break him and take his soul,” Brown said. “I know he’s a tough guy who’s fought quality opponents, but I’m coming in there to impose my will for every second of that fight until he breaks. … The beautiful thing about being able to watch me is, I can knock you out with a head kick or I could sub you on the ground.
“I’ll tell you my son had a prediction for a head-kick knockout, so we’ll see.”
UFC on ESPN+ 27 takes place Saturday at Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Va. The card streams on ESPN+.
UFC on ESPN+ 27: TJ Brown aims to assist Bryce Mitchell's effort to make Arkansas' presence felt