SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Logan Storley doesn’t mind being called a protege of Brock Lesnar. It’s the truth.

Between the ages of 15 and 17, Storley (8-0 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) got to participate in some pretty cool things through his connection to the former UFC champ. Sparring with Tony Ferguson. Watching Randy Couture up close in the gym. And, of course, working with Lesnar.

“I got to see a lot of things as a kid spending time with Brock,” Storley told MMAjunkie in advance of his Paramount-televised co-headliner against A.J. Matthews (9-7 MMA, 5-6 BMMA) at Bellator 204, which takes place Friday at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls. “It’s probably help push me here.”

Now 25, it’s Storley’s time to make a name for himself as he moves up the welterweight ranks in Bellator. So far, it’s been a straight line up as he’s beaten eight opponents as a professional. His ninth, Matthews, recently emerged from a four-fight slump with a split call over “The Ultimate Fighter 3” winner Kendall Grove.

“Each fight, you have guys that have different problems, and you have to take care of those problems,” Storley said.

A pair of decision wins hasn’t sapped Storley’s momentum. He said if a spot opens up in the upcoming Bellator welterweight grand prix, he’d like a spot. But first, he’s focused on putting away Matthews.

Storley won his first state title as an amateur wrestler in Sioux Falls. He was 12, and it was the first of many big moments in his competitive career. A spot underneath Lesnar’s massive wing certainly didn’t hinder his development as an MMA fighter. But he’s got his own ideas about how to take over the game, and first on that list is a lot of hard work.

For more on Bellator 204, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.