Photo provided by Ohio Combat League
Fighter Travis “Bam Bam” Davis on being a leader for the younger generation and his next steps: “I’m going to attack each day 100% and not half-ass anything.”
For more than 25 years, I’ve been a UFC enthusiast sold by the massive production values and beautiful promo packaging. My passion now is to learn the origin stories of a fighter, specifically current MMA risers, to promote their stories.
Recently, I spent an evening watching Ohio Combat League 15
OCL 15 was held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Ohio. The vacant OCL Lightweight Championship match between amateurs Kobe Woodall and Zach Stacy grabbed my attention. Kobe won the battle, then embraced by a man with one arm in a sling and tears in his eyes.
That man was Travis “Bam Bam” Davis, celebrating the victory as if it were his own. The description is an image that perfectly captures the regional MMA scene, which is Davis’s story.
I must make sure all readers looking to follow in Davis’ footsteps understand the character. In the image, you don’t see Travis Davis having to withdraw from a dream fight at Bellator 266 recently. Distraught by a shoulder injury, Davis still takes the time to support his team members in any way possible. The fighter also agreed to one one-on-one with me while juggling many responsibilities.
How did the U.S. Veteran get started as a fighter in the world of MMA?
Travis “Bam Bam” Davis trains and coaches out of the Ronin Training Center in Columbus, OH. He also has recently started to attend camps at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas, NV. “In 2010, I started training MMA full-time while stationed in Okinawa, Japan.” Davis said. “During my service with the USMC, I had my first fight.” 11 years later, Davis is now 10-5 in his professional MMA career, after firing off an impressive 7-0 amateur start.
How does one rise so quickly as a professional MMA fighter in just five short years? “I’m full of heart, man; My goal is to look for a win even if I have to put myself in a bad position to go for it; I like exciting fights.” Davis also went on to tell me, “Always show up to scrap and never shy away from a tough opponent, always put on a show win or lose.”
What inspires fighter Davis to continue the daily grind?
I questioned what inspires him to stay motivated with the daily grind of climbing the MMA ladder? “I’m inspired by anyone willing to step into the cage and put it all on the line. Veteran fighters inspired me at first, and now the younger fighters do.” Speaking on the victory, he helped mentor his teammate Woodall on, “These moments are growing on me! As a fighter, you almost must be selfish with your time; however, passing on what you’ve learned to others is selfless.”
Davis had already fought three times in 2021, including a hard-fought match at Bellator 262 before his injury. “Recovery time typically takes 3-4 weeks in full. I’m still working on a full training schedule of 6 days a week and multiple sessions on most days.” This regime may be brutal for casual MMA fans to understand. These warriors are rarely in total health, and many carry jobs outside of training for income and support.
What does the future hold for Davis?
What’s next for Davis, “I don’t have an opponent lined up right now due to the shoulder recovery. I’m going to attack each day 100% and not half-ass anything.” Davis wants a few more Bellator fights and then an opportunity for a title. After uncovering this champion’s journey, I’d find it hard to believe if he didn’t receive one.
Keep tabs on Travis “Bam Bam” Davis and all future MMA stars by following the Poundtown Podcast.
