Mixed martial arts has been rapidly growing for the past 20 years throughout the U.S.

While it started out with just a cult following, MMA fighting is now considered a major sport. The sport is continuing in rise in states are more traditional in sports and entertainment , including Arkansas. Baseball, basketball and football are going to stay the big three, but make no mistake: ultimate fighting is growing in the Natural State.

Former Camden Fairview football star Trey Frazier has found another sport to excel in, quickly becoming one of the top fighters in the state in the sport of MMA and kickboxing. That was evident this past Saturday in the Real Deal Championship in El Dorado. Frazier versus Marcques Stamps was among the top fights in the 13-fight card championship tournament. This was Frazier’s third professional fight in his young career, and his second in MMA.

Frazier continued his impressive winning streak Saturday by defeating Stamps by submission in the first round.

Early in the match, Stamps slipped and got off-balance, allowing Frazier to take advantage and unleash a barrage of head shots. Even as Stamps recovered, Frazier remained vigilant, blocking punches and kicks to his body. When Stamps tried to lock down Frazier into a hold, the TRIBE Gym star maneuvered to not only break the hold, but also to put himself in a good position to damage his opponent.

After a series of solid headshots, Frazier was able to wrap his legs around Stamps and put him into a rear naked chokehold. The result of Frazier’s tight grasp made it inescapable for Stamps, who was forced to tap out early into round one.

Frazier possesses great speed, alertness, the ability to flip his hips and body to get out of ahold and on top of his opponent, solid reach in his swings, great footwork and a good rhythm to unleash a series of punches, either on top of his opponent or standing. A combination of speed, athleticism, agility, focus, ability to remain alert, great defense and aggressive offense makes Frazier a dangerous and effective fighter.

In just a span of four months, Frazier has won all three of his professional fights. Before that, he won all six of his fights in the last seven months in ama

teur kickboxing. All of his fights have been a part of the Real Deal Championship series.

Frazier currently ranks seventh among the 53 active Arkansas Amateur Welterweight fighters, as well as 57th of the 765 active U.S. Southeast Amateur Welterweight fighters, according to Tapology.

His focus and determination to get better goes back to his days at Camden Fairview when he was an aggressive but athletic edge rusher for the Cardinals. His speed, explosiveness at the snap of the ball, quick hand speed, strength and athleticism are indicative of the results that made plays on the football field and now in the ring.

Discipline and patience are traits that have to be self-developed, which requires fighters like Frazier to not make rash decisions that could cost him a match. He shows patience and the eagerness to learn and grow as a fighter as a student of the TRIBE Gym under owner/coach Geoff Triaollini.

Frazier will attempt to continue his incredible streak in the Real Deal Championships 7 in Little Rock on Saturday, July 29.