Brandon Mills always wanted to be a fighter like his dad, Matt Hughes, but despite his father’s discouragement, he pursued his passion, trained at the best gym, and is now making his professional debut as a fighter.
Brandon Mills has always aspired to be a fighter, just like his father, Matt Hughes, a UFC Hall of Famer. However, Hughes did not encourage his son to pursue a fighting career due to the difficulties and challenges it entails. Hughes understood the highs and lows of the sport and wanted something better and safer for his children.
Despite his father’s reservations, Mills felt a strong desire to follow in his father’s footsteps. As a child, Mills was exposed to the world of fighting and was captivated by it. He started wrestling at a young age, but his visit to B.J. Penn’s gym in Hawaii solidified his decision to pursue MMA. Mills began training in various martial arts disciplines, balancing his wrestling commitments with his growing passion for MMA.
After a year of college, Mills decided to fully dedicate himself to MMA. His father supported his decision and introduced him to the renowned American Top Team gym in Florida. Mills initially went unnoticed at the gym, but as word spread about his famous lineage, some fighters promised to push him harder, while others offered him assistance and private training sessions.
Mills remained focused and committed to his training, following his father’s advice to listen to his coaches, work hard, and remain humble. His dedication paid off when he went undefeated in his amateur fights. He is now preparing for his professional debut, fully aware that his father’s legacy may overshadow his own career. However, Mills is mentally prepared and welcomes the comparisons and expectations that come with being Matt Hughes’ son. He is determined to carve his own path and make a name for himself in the world of MMA.