Mixed martial arts fighting seems a natural fit for Utah's DaMarques Johnson. He's athletic, a disciplined military veteran, a lifelong boxing fan and a quick study on the wrestling mat.
"And I've always been loud and outspoken," he added.
But watching his own face on his living room television screen? Not so natural.
"It's definitely weird to see myself on TV. I never expected that," Johnson said.
Still, television and MMA's octagon have become one for Johnson during his ongoing presence on Spike TV's "Ultimate Fighter" reality program. He's one of 32 fighters who have battled for the show's namesake title and a contract in the Ultimate Fighting Championship MMA organization.
This year's season is being billed as "the U.S. vs. the UK" and pits American fighters against British rivals for the Ultimate Fighter crown. The season is prerecorded, and Johnson can't talk about the results.
Still, viewers have already witnessed him claim a victory in his first bout against fellow American and welterweight Ray Elbe. Later he secured his second victory on the show with a first-round stoppage of Britain's Dean Amasinger.
The show has been "a one-of-a-kind experience," said the 26-year-old Utah native.
Johnson was born and raised in Salt Lake County, graduating from Kearns High in 2000. He'd always loved sports but opted not to participate in high school athletics. He enlisted in the Army the year he graduated. There he felt right at home with the rigor, physicality and discipline exacted by the soldier's life.
"I loved the military," he said. "If I had not have started (MMA) fighting, I would have probably stayed in (the Army)."
He worked as a military intelligence analyst, spending part of his time in South America. While a soldier, he was introduced to grappling, or submission wrestling. Soon he was winning military grappling tournaments.
"I just kind of took to it," he said.
Johnson was discharged from the Army in 2007 and turned his full-time focus on making a living in the burgeoning sport of mixed martial arts prize fighting. He went into the "Ultimate Fighter" television show with a record of 13-6, training out of Utah's Elite Performance Gym with Ultimate Fighting veteran Jeremy Horn.
Success in mixed martial arts is often defined by a variety of combat skills. Successful fighters must be proficient in both striking and grappling. Well-rounded contenders typically expose one-trick pretenders.
"I have to maintain a balance," said Johnson of his interdisciplinary fighting style. "I'm a good striker and a good jiujitsu guy."
Johnson also points to the training and direction he's received from Horn and several other seasoned MMA fighters who also helped him prepare for the quirky "reality show" environment of camera crews and equipment.
Just as in professional boxing, good management and representation is vital. Almost anyone can get into fighting, said Johnson, but adds "the trick is staying there."
It was manager Monte Cox who secured Johnson an "audition" for the "Ultimate Fighter" television show. The producers were obviously pleased with what they saw.
"They like me and it went from there," Johnson said.
Regardless of the outcome of the television program, Johnson is looking toward to a long career in the sport. MMA fighters, he said, can continue into their 40s if they stay fit and focused.
Just don't expect a Mike Tyson-like spending spree if he makes it big. Johnson's immediate goals are modest: buy a house, own a reliable car and provide for his 3-year-old son, Maxton.
"My goal right now is to win my next fight," Johnson said.
On the air
"The Ultimate Fighter" can be seen Wednesdays on Spike TV at 8 p.m., with a re-broadcast at 9 p.m. and the following Sunday at 9 p.m.
E-MAIL: jswensen@desnews.com