We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! This member spotlight turns to Vaughn Young, Muay Thai fighter born in Trinidad, and raised in Canada. Despite having trained with the Absolute MMA crew for just under 5 months, Vaughn has rapidly become a valued member of the fight team and our in house clinch technician. As generous as he is tall, Vaughn is always happy to help out and share his knowledge with the team. We would like to wish him all the best for his upcoming bout on Roots 12 (Rebellion Muay Thai) on July 20th, 2019. Tickets are now available to purchase at our Melbourne CBD location! Come down on the day to support Vaughn and the team, and read on to find out more about this legend!
How did you get into the sport?
When I went to Thailand I saw my first fight at the Bangla Boxing Stadium. To me, it was the ultimate stand up combat sport. I originally wanted to do it for fitness, but my coach convinced me to have my first fight. He said he saw potential.
What are your immediate training goals?
To develop my cardio (Thanks Coach Dan!) and boxing.
What are your goals for the next five years?
Reach 30 fights and a few more belts.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
It’s a complete gym. The the resources I have are limitless for anything I could possibly want to improve on. It’s a big gym with a small family feel.
What is your favourite move?
I don’t really have a favourite move, but I like toying with people’s minds. A lot of fakes and strikes they didn’t see coming. Mind games.
Favourite workout/walkout song?
Hard pad rounds/ Jidenna- Love Live the Chief
Nicknames & Fight Names?
I’ve actually never had a fight name. Really should get on that (haha).
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
Listen to music in nature and skydiving (weird I know).
Can you tell us about where you’re from and any interesting stories growing up? If you’re not originally from Melbourne, how’d you end up living in Melbourne, Australia?
I’ve only started training in Muay Thai for the past 2 years. I have an addictive personality, so when I like something I get obsessed. I had 9 fights in 18 months. The most interesting Muay Thai story I have is having the chicken pox 9 days before my first fight and still fighting and securing the win. I had an MCL tear 2 weeks before a tournament in the states and still fought on one leg. I won my first 2 fights, but lost on points in the finals.
I was born in Trinidad which is in the Caribbean. I spent half my life there and the other half in Canada. I like to travel and as a result I get bored if I stay too long in one place.
I wanted to escape the cold weather in Canada while still being able to develop my Muay Thai skills and improve my skydiving. Australia gave me the option to do all 3. I’m a city boy by nature so Melbourne was an easy choice.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
I look up to people who are humble and have uncompromising work ethic. People who act instead of making excuses. I try to surround myself with these sort of people because I believe you are who you surround yourself with.
What’s your favourite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Lentils as anything. I like what they stand for. They are community based, help out those in need and the food is actually AMAZING. The lasagna is out of this world.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Stop comparing yourself to others. Keep your head down and do the work. With this mindset you will get where you want to be.
“I can’t work out his accent. I’ve known Vaughn for four and a half months. At first, I didn’t expect anything from him, he’s been competing Muay Thai before I met him. He’s a natural athlete who is dedicated to his sport, a quick learner and a good listener. On the 20th of July 2019, it will be the first time he fights under my guidance. Hope he gets the win for the Absolute MMA family! Anyone who knows Vaughn, come support him on this day!”- Laos Toohey
“First time I sparred Vaughn, he shoved his palm in my face and laughed. I knew we’d get along after that – he’s such a crafty fighter…cannot wait to see him in the ring here in Australia.”- Georgia Verry
“Vaughn is as deadly as he is sexy…lethal combination. In the short time we’ve been training together he’s shared so much knowledge and has helped everyone train harder and smarter. Can’t wait to see him in proper action in the ring! Last thing, thank you Vaughn for the free vasectomy, it is hugely appreciated.”- Fei Yen
“Awesome training partner to have around, absolute technician in the clinch!”- Andre Nguyen
“Vaughan is that devastating knee fighter that everyone has nightmares about. He’s only been training with us for a short amount of time but since he arrived he’s elevated everyone’s clinch game. Aside from that he’s as cool as a cucumber and a pleasure to be around.”- Darren Gn
“Vaughn is one of the most dangerous vegetarians I’ve ever met, the Caribbean clinching machine that he is will hurt you on the outside with his range and kill you on the inside with knees. Thx for conditioning my ribs xx”- Alex Taylor
“Don’t be fooled by Vaughn’s balmy attitude, the man was engineered for Muay Thai and he ain’t afraid to show it! Whilst being a clinching beast, he is also very gentle and always happy to share his tricks. Great guy all round.” – MK Rubae
