2016 WAKO North American Championships - Las Vegas, NV

The goal for this tournament was to put all of my mental preparation into having a strong first round. Starting the fight immediately and going straight to work. My performance in Iowa a few weeks prior, I started slow before pouring on the pressure in the third round, but it was too late to make up the points. My skills are at the same level or above the level of the opponents I'm facing, the difference is that I have trouble getting comfortable enough to use them and "let go." I'm slowly, one-step-at-a-time, acclimating myself to all aspects of fighting, and with each fight this year I've gotten more comfortable with fight day, pre-fight routines, starting the fight, and finishing the fight. Success in Vegas would mean starting immediately with aggression.

To some degree I achieved my goal. I never backed down from the fight, and did my best to keep my foot on the gas. I happened to draw a tough, veteran opponent who had a little more "go" and a little more fearlessness. I took the loss in stride, knowing that I've made a ton of progress with this fight season. The results may not have been outwardly apparent to the casual observer, but I recognize the growth, and I think my coaches see it as well.