Chase Mann’s background in powerlifting just isn’t the everyday origin story of a profitable MMA fighter, however in the case of the “Mannimal,” surpassing expectations has been a life-long journey. In an unique interview with M&F, the undefeated fight star explains how he’s transitioned from benching barbells to our bodies, and why he’s excited to battle Isi Fitikefu in his ONE Championship debut on January 23.
Proving that your begin in life doesn’t should dictate your consequence, Chase Mann is undoubtedly an inspiration. Hailing from Paragould, Arkansas, Mann’s dad and mom have been eager for his or her three youngsters to play sports activities however have been sadly much less capable of take care of them. They fell into the grip of substance abuse, and this resulted in a rebellious childhood that noticed Mann arrested at simply ten years of age. Whereas he was later despatched to a faith-based therapy facility referred to as Lord’s Ranch, this turned out to be an abusive setting, and he was crushed so badly that on one event there was a handprint left round Mann’s throat.
Thankfully, his dad and mom found out what was occurring, they usually managed to tug him out of there, however the household would subsequently be rocked by guilt and trauma. Arrests have been ultimately made on the ranch, however the harm had already been achieved, leaving Mann to return to phrases with an comprehensible rage. Thankfully, nevertheless, the love this household had for one another stored them collectively, and regardless of the challenges, positivity was on the horizon.
With Mann’s dad and mom working laborious to beat their addictions, and his personal burgeoning household proving to be a salvation, Mann says that after his daughter was born, his complete notion modified. Today, he’s a rising drive in MMA, with an undefeated professional streak of 6-0-0. He’s additionally simply days out from his largest battle but, in opposition to Isi Fitikefu for ONE Championship, however he won’t ever forego his powerlifting roots.
@mannimal_mma/Instagram
Chase Mann Grew to become Champion Powerlifter Earlier than Shifting into MMA
“I used to be about 19 years previous after I walked into an area gymnasium,” Mann tells M&F. “The primary day I signed up at this new gymnasium, they have been doing an influence lifting competitors there. It was like a storage gymnasium, old-fashioned, the storage doorways have been all open. All people’s in there lifting loopy weight and I’m like, ‘whoa!’, I’ve by no means seen something prefer it.”
As Mann practiced lifting, an observer named Logan would show to be an vital buddy and mentor, educating him about type and approach, and inspiring the younger athlete to enter powerlifting meets. Logan’s instincts, and Mann’s potential to pay attention and be taught, would show to be nice mixture. He gained a number of tournaments, together with the Junior’s Southern States championship and the Little Rock Traditional.
By way of MMA, Mann says that he all the time wished to get into the game however knew that his mindset wasn’t proper throughout his turbulent teenage years. “Truthfully, I needed to develop up a little bit bit mentally,” he shares. His first newbie bout got here in 2021 the place he defeated his opponent in 90 seconds utilizing a rear bare choke maintain. By 2023, the fighter had turned professional and proper now holds an undefeated report of 6-0-0. “Getting contained in the cage and preventing someone, it’s one of many scariest issues I’ve ever achieved,” he displays, evaluating the variations between battling barbells and the our bodies of his MMA opponents.
Chase Mann Makes use of his powerlifting background for MMA success
Mann performed soccer as a child and is aware of concerning the physicality that comes when two our bodies collide, however whereas powerlifting is a a lot totally different self-discipline to fight, there are benefits of being a snug weightlifter that the Mannimal can convey to the cage. “The way in which I battle, powerlifting has a hundred percent helped me in MMA,” he explains. “I like to make use of my energy and my aggression. I come ahead. I wish to get my fingers on individuals.”
Following his victories, the welterweight is commonly advised by opponents that they have been shocked by how sturdy he’s. “I like them to really feel that energy,” explains Mann, noting that there are occasions when he actually benches a physique off of him, similar to he would with a barbell. After all, there’s an enormous distinction between lifting a static barbell with a considerably predictable path, in contrast with the randomness of his opponents’ actions. “I’ve needed to make modifications to my coaching, and it’s been trial and error, however I’ve tried to include and maintain as a lot of that energy in every little thing I do,” explains Mann. “I need to have a powerful base, and I believe a variety of fighters neglect that space. I believe a variety of fighters simply do an excessive amount of operating and never sufficient constructing of a powerful base and core.”
Powerlifting has offered Mann with a stable basis and has additionally honed different attributed corresponding to stability and coordination, offering explosive energy throughout MMA bouts, however there are parts of the powerlifting way of life that he’s needed to dial again. “At first, after I began doing MMA, proper after I was stepping into it, I attempted to maintain coaching the identical means, maintain doing all of the powerlifting,” he shares. “And I simply came upon; you’ll get injured. In powerlifting, it’s about coaching to elevate one thing one time, the heaviest weight doable. However for MMA, I have to elevate for quarter-hour, elevate the man’s physique weight. I’d to that 30 instances.”
Mann tells M&F that he nonetheless lifts in direction of percentages of his one rep max. “I nonetheless do a compound motion day-after-day,” he explains, however notes that in contrast to throughout his powerlifting profession, Mann now completes common full physique exercises. There’s additionally a selected train that’s now a part of this fighter’s routine, that ticks the containers of constructing explosive energy whereas additionally serving to to keep away from damage.
Chase Mann incorporates smith machine barbell throws
With a comparatively mild weight, Mann masses up the smith machine for his barbell throws, mendacity on the bench and launching the bar skywards, letting go, after which catching the bar to manage its descent. “I do it for time, so it’s an explosive second that’s blended with energy,” he explains. This can be a smart transfer, as a result of the smith machine forces the barbell to observe a set path, and is much less prone to trigger strains.
By way of the scariness of MMA, Mann tells M&F that he’s realized that worry can be utilized as gasoline. “, I do higher below strain,” he displays. That’s simply as effectively, as a result of on January 23, 2026, the Mannimal makes his debut for ONE Championship at Combat Night time 39 in Bangkok, Thailand, in opposition to former rugby participant, Isi Fitikefu. “It’s nonetheless surreal to me,” says Mann. “The primary time I noticed my face on that battle poster, once they introduced our battle, I’m not going to lie, I received teary-eyed.”
Nonetheless, this inspirational determine is all enterprise. “I’d say we’ve comparable kinds in the case of how we battle,” notes Mann of Fitikefu. “He likes to return ahead and wrestle and he’s clearly a really large bodily man. He performed rugby, I grew up taking part in soccer. I believe it’s going to be two sturdy guys assembly within the center and yeah, we’ll see who can come out on prime!”
ONE Combat Night time 39 takes place on January 23 with a begin time of 6pm PST / 9pm EST. Due the time distinction, the present will air on January 24 at 2am within the UK. Along with Mann vs Fitikefu, a packed card boasts a stellar foremost occasion when Thailand’s personal Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon lastly locking horns with Russian knockout artist Abdulla “Smash Boy” Dayakaev.
The occasion will likely be broadcast by way of the official ONE Championship YouTube channel.
The occasion will even be accessible to Amazon Prime Video prospects within the U.S. and Canada. For extra info, click on right here.
To observe Chase Mann on Instagram, click on right here.
