4 Incredible Character Traits of the UFC’s Brady Hiestand
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Brady Hiestand is becoming a leading force for the newest generation of mixed martial artists. The Ultimate Fighter: Season 29 finalist is 2-0 in the UFC and shows unbelievable potential at such a young age. Here are 4 incredible character traits I learned he exhibits after our chat:
Resilience: “You have to kill me in the Octagon”
Hiestand had his back against the wall earlier this year after losing the first two rounds against Danaa Batgerel. He dug deep and secured a comeback victory via knockout. In his post-fight interview, he proclaimed they’ll have to kill him in the octagon…
Now, where did the 24-year-old get his fighting spirit from?
“My dad passed away. He was an alcoholic, but I was really close with him,” Hiestand reflected. “So just seeing that and seeing how bad life can get for some people that deal with depression and addiction and all that stuff, I think it just motivates me to train harder in the gym.”
The training environment at Sikjitsu also helped manufacture Hiestand’s warrior mentality. “I’m just a grinder. I train all the time,” he admitted. “I have goals in my life, and I want to achieve them in any shape or form.”
With a heavy heart and clear mind, Hiestand is focused on the task at hand: Developing a legacy inside and outside the octagon.
Loyalty: “Spokane is my home, I don’t plan on leaving”
Hiestand was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. He shared that his most breathtaking adventures came from hiking the base camp of Mount Olympus and touring the famous Space Needle in Seattle. As expected, he is also part of The 12th Man, which is the loudest fanbase in football. He and his father attended at least one Seattle Seahawks game a year as a child.
Another reason “Bam Bam” aspires to stay close to home is his family: “I’m really close with my family. We have a really strong bond,” Hiestand admitted. “Ever since my dad died, my brother and I have been really close. My mom has always been there for me, so it would be hard to leave my family behind.”
Humor: “Honey Buns Hiestand”
“Bam Bam’s” second family also resides in Spokane. He trains full-time at Sikjitsu and has everything he needs there. He trains under the guidance of head coach Rick Little, the mentorship of former UFC top 5 UFC welterweight Michael Chiesa, and former undisputed bantamweight champion Julianna Peña. He also practices with rising prospects Ashton Charlton and undefeated Melissa Amaya, who competes in Combate Global.
Hiestand can definitely take a joke as well. When asked about the funniest memory with Chiesa, Hiestand referenced his weight cuts. “[Chiesa is] such a goofy dude,” he exclaimed. “I get so skinny, and I lose my ass. Every time I cut weight, he calls me ‘Honey Buns Hiestand’.”
The next time he fights, Bruce Buffer may catch on and introduce him as such…
Inspiration: Sharing wisdom on The Ultimate Fighter
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski coached Hiestand on The Ultimate Fighter: Season 29. He admitted that he “related heavy” to his coach’s comments about mentally struggling when he is not actively fighting. This is why he finds it important to stay in the gym.
Regarding active fighters, he accompanied teammate Julianna Peña in her quest to coach The Ultimate Fighter: Season 30 and advised the contestants based on his own experiences. He told the fighters to “stay focused” and that “the most important fight is [their] next fight.”
At such a young age, Brady Hiestand is absorbing knowledge from legends of the sport while also inspiring fighters himself. He is on a quest to build his own legacy and has important advice to share with the world: “You just have to create and build a great team of people around you. Always be grateful for what you’ve got.”
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