Frank Marshall Wells

Frank Marshall-Wells is an up and coming MMA fighter from right here in Union Beach, New Jersey. I've had the pleasure of knowing Frank and his family since he was born, however distantly, and was excited to see that he's been chasing his dream in this business. Frank began his MMA career going 0-3 and has been constantly improving his game, now on a 3-fight win streak in MMA (3-3), 3-1 in Muay Thai and 1-0 in kickboxing. Frank will be fighting Jaime Alvarez of Rami Elite for the 155-lb A-class Full Rules MT title on April 23rd, 2016 for the Warriors Cup at the Queens Theater. Tickets are $45 for GA. You can message Frank on Facebook or Instagram for information!

Photos taken by Manny Fernandes (MDphotoandink) and Mara Sickler (Mara Sickler Photography)

Photographer Information located at bottom of Q&A



Early Life:

Tell us a bit about yourself, where did you grow up and what was life like growing up? (Family, school, friends)

I grew up and still live in Union Beach, New Jersey. It's a pretty sweet place to be, mostly because a lot of people have never heard of it. It's only 1 square mile with a few thousand people in it. I dig living in an area where everybody knows each other.



Were you involved in any sports as a youth in or outside of school?

Yeah I did a lot of sports even if I didn’t like them, because my friends did them and I would have nothing else to do. I played baseball, soccer, football, basketball, pretty much the major sports. I wrestled for a year in high school too.



What is your favorite child-hood memory?

Nothing particular that stands out, had a lot of good times as a kid though.

Getting involved in MMA:

How did you get involved?

I started watching MMA when I was in like 8th or 9th grade and it just looked so damn cool (haha)! Then I got a call from a gym I did karate at when I was a kid and took it from there.

What discipline did you begin with and care to share a bit about your early experiences learning the sport(s)?

I was doing old school Kyokushin Japanese Karate. I got some good leg dexterity out of it, but after losing my first couple of fights, I knew I had to move on elsewhere if I wanted to have more practical training in the striking department.



At what point did you know you were ready to step in the cage for the first time?

Well, I didn’t feel ready until my 4th fight, haha! My first 3 fights were all taken on less than two weeks notice and I just kind of went with it. Kind of trial by fire sort of deal.

When the cage locked behind you in your first fight, can you recall what went through your mind? How did your first fight turn out?

My first fight was kind of chaotic. I was supposed to fight the week before that and my opponent just didn’t show up, so I took a fight the following week. My opponent missed weight by like 8 pounds or something like that, so they just threw me in with this other dude whos opponent missed weight at the same weight class. I was wrestling for about 7 months and doing BJJ for about a month or so and I was fighting a kid who wrestled D2 and was a blue belt. I hit the kid hard a few times, but I literally got taken down about 9 times that fight and lost a decision.



What are 3 things you've learned while being involved in this sport?

1. Respect everybody, I've had plenty of small dudes that look like nothing strangle me to the point of near unconsciousness.

2. Just to have fun and appreciate every day I get to do this

3. People that're really good at kicking ass are the nicest human beings you'll meet. Haha

Current:

What gym are you currently fighting out of?

I do MMA, Muay Thai, and Kickboxing. For Muay Thai/Kickboxing I train out of The Institute. When I have MMA fights, I train there as well, along with Rhino Wrestling, and out of Nick Catone's MMA.

What is your current record (ammy/pro) and at what weight as of 3/3/2016?

7-4 overall. 3-3 MMA, 3-1 Muay Thai, 1-0 Kickboxing. Which isn't great, but started off 0-3 so I'm happy with turning it around.

Do you currently have a nickname in this sport? If so, what is it and why?

Haha, yeah. So, my unofficial, official nickname is Chopper, a lot of people think it's because I kick legs and heads a lot (which is true) but when I made my Kickboxing debut, about 2-3 seconds in a threw a headkick and fell on my ass, and my coach insists I spun around like a helicopter, haha.

If you could improve one aspect of your game, what would it be and why?

I think everybody gets kind of nitpicky about the shit they wanna work on. There's like 4 things that came to my head right off the bat! Even though I'm not his biggest fan, having that Conor Mcgregor punching power seems kinda nice, haha!

What is your most memorable experience as a fighter?

That same fight where I fell on my ass, I ended up knocking the kid out in 29 seconds, and that was the most intense rush I've ever had in my life. Kinda gives me the urge to hunt for finishes every fight since.

Any interesting stories to share or learning experiences whilst fighting you would like to share?

Man, I've learned so much from this sport this interview would turn into a novel! The only stories that stick out aren't really fighting related, they just resulted from fighting, I'll spare yous all the details though (haha).

If you could offer one bit of advice to an aspiring fighter what would it be?

HAVE FUN! Wins and losses don't REALLY matter at the amateur level, they're just benchmarks on your progress.

Would you like to give a shout out to any sponsors individuals who have supported you?

Muay Thai Addict for sure, they're AWESOME. Their shorts are great quality, and anytime I see them make custom ones for me or anyone else they just look too dope. Also Urban Ninja for the dope shirts they made for the whole team.

Future:

What are your goals for the future in the sport?

I want to fight tough guys, win some big championships and just enjoy it. When I can't fight anymore I want to have my own gym, I love teaching too.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the sport and where it's headed?

For MMA I think it's going to keep growing at a fast pace. For kickboxing and Muay Thai I think it's in its infancy stages in America right now, but I personally think within a decade it'll be where the UFC was 5 or so years ago; with all the talent coming up, Glory being on Fight Pass, Joe Schilling going back and forth etc.

If you could change one thing in the sport, what would it be?

Glory rules + elbows! haha

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I'll be 31, idk man. Hopefully still fighting!

Fun Facts:



Favorite Food/Dish:

It's hard to get down to one food group,but a nice sirloin or elk steak with sweet potatoes/sweet potato fries his ya boy in his soul! haha

Favorite type of Music:

I'm all over man, sometimes its rap/ hip hop, sometimes its metal, sometimes it reggae, just depends on my mood.

Favorite Movie:

It was Wolf Of Wall Street, but DAMN Deadpool was good.

Favorite TV Show:

Either Breaking Bad or Prison break. Not a big TV watcher though

Favorite Quote:

I have a bunch but one that comes to mind: "What matters most is how well you walk through the fire"

Do you have any children? Do you plan on having any/more?:

I'll probably have a few. None for now though haha

Best day of your life:

When they opened chipotle near where I work. Haha!

Interesting/Unknown Fact about yourself:

I'm a huge fan of comedy

Favorite Hobbies:

I'm addicted to video games, my favorite thing to do when I'm not training!

Who is your favorite super hero and why?

Spiderman! Because when my hair isn't too long I kind of look like the fella. (lanky pale kid with brown hair).

Contact:

Facebook Page/Fan Page: No fan page, but add me as a friend! Frank Marshall Wells

Instagram: @TankJitsu

Twitter: @Tankjitsu

Manager Contact (for sponsorship/fight inquiries): My phone: 732-284-0446 for sponsors. For fights, hit up Nick Catone for MMA and Mike Burke for Muay Thai/Kickboxing. Both on facebook.



About the Photographers

Manny Fernandes

MDphotoandink

CFFC, Cage Fury Fighting Championships Photographer

Freelance Muay Thai/Boxing/Sports Photographer

Mara Sickler

Mara Sickler Photography

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