Inside Apex: The Fighter’s Journey with Mike Kennedy
Inside Apex: The Fighter’s Journey with Mike Kennedy
Fighters are forged not just through training but through the experiences, challenges, and passions that shape their lives. Mike Kennedy is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of combat sports. From humble beginnings inspired by iconic films to a life immersed in the fight culture, Mike shares his raw and unfiltered journey in this Apex Insider exclusive.
🔥 Life Inside Apex Fight League
For Mike, Apex Fight League stands out as a unique promotion because of the camaraderie and atmosphere:
🗣 "Apex Fight League is different from other promotions because I know a lot of the commentators and media folks, so it feels like I’m just hanging out with my bros."
When it comes to the energy at Apex events, Mike highlights the electric atmosphere and memorable rivalries:
🗣 "The energy is good at Apex fights. When I fought Seth Stucker back when it was ‘PFA,’ I feel like our rivalry brought the energy that night, and the crowd was into it. Main event title fights are always great, but when it’s two dudes that don’t like each other very much, it’s even better."
And while most fighters highlight victories as their favorite moments, Mike’s perspective is refreshingly unique:
🗣 "Driving 2 hours back home after losing my last title fight was probably my favorite moment. Going 100mph on I-17, listening to movie podcasts, and just basking in the agony of defeat really builds character."
🧠 The Fighter’s Journey
For Mike, martial arts has always been a part of his identity. It all began with an early love for movies like Rocky IV and Never Back Down, but it quickly became something much deeper:
🗣 "A few years after our mom passed away, my father put my sister and me into martial arts at a young age. We did traditional karate and then transitioned into Muay Thai. Watching my sister take fights and being immersed in fight culture made me passionate about it."
Over the years, fighting became more than a sport; it became a way of life. For Mike, it’s not about leaving a legacy or achieving fame:
🗣 "What keeps me going is that this is simply part of my life. I can’t imagine a reality where I’m not involved in the fight culture and community. It’s who I am."
Mike’s journey has been marked by defining moments that shaped his perspective on fighting and life. One such moment was his first MMA title fight:
🗣 "I thought I was way better than I was and got humbled. I got steamrolled, quite honestly. That’s when I stopped dream chasing and started enjoying the process. I don’t care how far I make it in this sport. The only legacy I want to leave is my kids knowing I was a good father and a decent human being."
Overcoming mental health challenges has also been a significant part of his journey:
🗣 "Both my parents have passed away, and I’ve struggled with self-worth and substance abuse. But as of 1/1/2025, I’m 100% sober. For me, my biggest opponent has always been the man in the mirror. Winning that personal battle has made me sharper than ever."
🥊 Behind the Scenes: Training & Mindset
Preparing for a fight requires more than physical training. For Mike, fight camp is all about consistency and intensity:
🗣 "A typical fight camp consists of training at fight pace, incorporating intensity, and staying consistent. I have a world-class team and high elevation training, which I use to my advantage."
But the hardest part of preparation often goes unnoticed by fans:
🗣 "The balance of it all is the biggest challenge. Balancing work, family, training, and personal stuff while preparing to go to battle is a lot, and I feel like that gets overlooked."
To stay mentally sharp, Mike focuses on being true to himself:
🗣 "When I’m joking around, being goofy, and having a good time, that’s the real me. That’s when I perform best."
💡 Looking Ahead
Mike’s goals in MMA are rooted in exploration and growth:
🗣 "My goal is to go pro and use that professional status to fight out of state and travel to places I haven’t been. I want to experience new things and grow as a fighter and person."
For young fighters, Mike has simple yet powerful advice:
🗣 "Find a gym and commit to being a student of the game. Don’t try to do it all on your own. Also, don’t take losses too hard—they teach you more than wins do. Just enjoy the ride and stay humble."
Looking ahead, Mike envisions a fulfilling future:
🗣 "In the next few years, I see myself fighting professionally out of state or even out of the country, traveling with my beautiful family, and living a healthy life doing what I love with the people I love. One day, I’d like to open my own gym, Fortitude Fight Team, and maybe even write a screenplay about MMA culture."
🚀 What’s Next for Mike Kennedy?
Mike Kennedy’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and authenticity. Whether he’s training hard at high elevation or envisioning a screenplay that captures the spirit of MMA, Mike’s story inspires fighters and fans alike. He reminds us all to embrace the process, fight our inner battles, and live life to the fullest.
Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories—only on Apex Insider.
🔥 Want to see Mike Kennedy in action? Keep up with Apex Fight League’s upcoming events and don’t miss the next time he steps into the cage! 💪🥊