A few things have changed over recent years for MMA fighter Brandon Jenkins – he has trained in different gyms, has lived in different states, and has even had different fight nicknames – but one thing has remained the same – Jenkins’ heart and dedication.
When Fight to Finish last saw Jenkins in 2016, he was climbing the ranks in Minnesota MMA. In 2017, he signed with Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA). “I’ve fought for them five times since signing, going 3-2,” said Jenkins. “I even fought for their 155-pound world title.” Jenkins’ overall professional record stands at 12-6. But as things were progressing, some bad luck came his way.
“My last fight was in June of 2018. I won with a head kick, but I tore a ligament in my knee,” he said. “I had to have surgery, and was out for eight months.” Once he had healed up and was cleared for the cage, a fight was set up for him against worthy opponent Mike Plazola. Unfortunately, the fight was canceled after weigh-ins due to medical concerns for Plazola.
Jenkins went back to training. “Since then I’ve battled three staph infections,” said Jenkins. “But, I remained hopeful and I’m finally back! I’ll be looking for my fourth LFA win next month when I take on knockout artist Mike Breedan, 7-2 out of Missouri. Six of Breedan’s wins are by KO, and eight of my wins are by KO. It should be one of the best fights on the card!”
The fights will be in Minnesota, where Jenkins spent much of his fight career. In 2019, he moved out to Las Vegas, NV to further his goals. “I moved in April of this year to train with John Wood at Syndicate MMA,” shared Jenkins. “John is one of the best coaches in the world, and is very passionate about all of his fighters. There is a very ‘family’ atmosphere at Syndicate. They took me in like family the first day I stepped on the mats.”
Jenkins relaxing in NV between training sessions
Jenkins said he shares the mats with black belts and world champions every day. “I love training with the UFC fighters there,” he said. “JoJo Calderwood, Tom Lawlor, Roxanne Modafferi, Frank Mir, Pat Cummings. However, my new favorite person and great friend is PFL fighter Chris Curtis. He is 21-6. He’s the biggest nerd – and a killer in the cage!”
Jenkins with friend Chris Curtis
Jenkins hopes to present a much better version of his previous fighter self to his fans. He believes he has grown quite a bit over the past few years. “My dieting is better now as well as my maturity,” Jenkins said. “I am fighting smarter and a lot less reckless.”
Fans, friends and family will have the opportunity to see the new Jenkins when LFA 77 returns to Minnesota on September 27, 2019. “I’ll be on the main card on live TV,” he said. “It’ll be at Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, MN.” If you plan to attend the fights, support Jenkins by following the link below, and use his name as a reference before buying the tickets.
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