OAK CREEK, Wis.— One Army veteran has overcome many obstacles to become an MMA fighter.
After returning home from serving overseas, Gabriel Sayge struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol abuse.
It’s something so many who serve our country can relate to. Sayge wants his story to serve as inspiration for them. He found a way to battle his challenges head-on and find new purpose through mixed martial arts (MMA).
What You Need To Know
- Veteran overcomes obstacles and becomes an MMA fighter
- Sayge dealt with PTSD and turned to alcohol when he came home from combat
- After getting back in the ring, Sayge got crticially inured in a car crash
When Sayge has his gloves on, he’s in his element. He said MMA is an outlet for him and the sport has gotten him through many rough times in his life.
When he first got home from deployment, he turned to drinking. He knew he needed to find a better form of therapy for himself. He eventually found it in the MMA ring.
“I didn’t want drinking to define my life,” Sayge said. “I wanted to enjoy life.”
Soon, he started competing in MMA competitions at a professional level. But then, came a major setback.
Sayge was critically injured in a car crash. Doctors told him he may never walk again.
He defied the odds and spent five years working hard to build back his strength. Not only is he walking again, but he’s competing again.
“I know what I’m fighting for, and I’m very humbled by this opportunity,” Sayge said. “When I do this, it’s to confront everything that’s ever gone wrong on in my life. Everyone who said I wasn’t going to fight again, or walk again, this is all just motivation for me.”
Sayge’s sparring partner, Bear Bennett, said watching his growth has been inspiring.
“It’s incredible man,” Bennett said. “It’s inspirational for anyone who wants to change and grow and has obstacles to overcome in life.”