BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Nick Newell’s story has been well-documented over the span of his career.

Born a congenital amputee without a fully formed left hand and forearm, he hasn’t let that define who he is as a fighter – or as a person.

After his win over Corey Browning (5-3 MMA, 2-1 BMMA) at Bellator 225 this past Saturday, Newell (16-2 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) got a message from his childhood inspiration, former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott.

Well done @NotoriousNewell. Damn it you're just the best. Never ever give up — Jim Abbott (@jabbottum31) August 25, 2019

Like Newell, Abbott is a congenital amputee. But he didn’t let that stop him from pitching 10 seasons with the Angels, Yankees, White Sox and Brewers. During his playing career, the left-handed pitcher would put his mitt on his shorter arm before the pitch. Once he released, Abbott slid his left hand into the glove in preparation for a batted ball. He even threw a no-hitter with the Yankees in 1993.

“Jim Abbott is my hero,” Newell told the media post-fight. “Let me tell you something: When I was a kid, there was no Internet. I didn’t know other people in this world had one hand. I thought it was just me and Jim Abbott. We were the only two people in the world (with one hand).”

From 1993-1994, Abbott played for the New York Yankees – the home team for a young Newell, who grew up in Connecticut. When his grandparents took Newell to the park one day, he had the opportunity to finally meet someone like him. According to Newell, at that point he didn’t understand others like him could succeed in sports.

“When I was a kid, my grandparents used to take me to Yankee Fan Day, and I met him. I went to a game, he came out of the dugout, and I met him – and it changed my life. I was so young when I saw him. I never even thought that I could be a professional athlete. I never thought I could be the best.”

The two have met again since and even grabbed lunch. Now Newell hopes he’ll have the pleasure of sitting across the table from Abbott once again.

“I saw guys out there like Jim Abbott doing his thing and not letting anything stop him. So obviously, it means a lot for me for him to say that,” Newell said. “We had lunch before once. We’re going to have lunch again, Jim. We’re going to hang out. Me, you. Boys. Let’s do it.”

Gallery Photos: Nick Newell through the years view 26 images