Junior Michael Kelleher competes as a cage fighter.

By Sarah Yun

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What does being a cage fighter entail?
You have to work out a lot. I work out about eight times a week and practice for three hours four times a week. You have to have incredible dedication and will power to train that much.

How did you become a cage fighter?
I started watching cage fighting in 2006, and I started looking for a place to train. My friend was actually training at the time, so he introduced me to a place one and a half years ago.

Why did you choose to become a cage fighter?
Because besides that fact that it is the most awesome sport ever, cage fighting is very natural to me. I like the competition and it’s a good way to express myself.

What was your scariest moment while cage fighting?
I was knocked unconscious once. But the worst thing that has happened to me was when I was training to do knockdowns, and I was trying to do this trip. I picked the guy up and he fell on my extended knee and I thought I broke my leg. It was a pretty bad day.

Where do you usually cage fight?
I train at the House of Martial Sport Arts in Clay Terrace.

What is your favorite thing about cage fighting?
The competition. The competitive nature that everyone has is very civilized and there is better sportsmanship in cage fighting than in many other sports.