Turbeville in MMA bout on Saturday
Last Updated on 2/9/2012
Published on 4/23/2009
By R.G. Greene
rgreene@gtowntimes.com
Most of us are looking forward to the weekend, but probably none are as eager as Dustin Turbeville.
A graduate of Georgetown High, Turbeville will have his second career Mixed Martial Arts fight this weekend, squaring of against Chris Kirkpatrick at the Schwartz Center in Wilmington as part of the Clash at the Coast II card. The event is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.
"I think you're always a little nervous before a fight," Turbeville said. "But more than anything else I want to compete. I'm ready for Saturday."
Kirkpatrick is a Wilmington native, but facing a potential partisan crowd doesn't worry Turbeville.
"You recognize the crowd and what's going on around you (only for a moment)," Turbeville said. "Once the fight starts, the (competitors) are focusing on each other. You block everything else out and, in a way, it becomes kind of like a very intense training session."
Turbeville had his first career fight in November of 2006 in Columbus, OH and won via submission. A member of the Army National Guard, further fight plans were put on hold when his unit was called to duty in Afghanistan .
After three months of training in Mississippi, Turbeville arrived in Afghanistan for a 12-month tour of duty beginning in April of 2007.
Assigned to a military police unit, he was stationed at Camp Phoenix near Kabul, but through his duties traveled around the nation.
The experience revealed several life lessons for the 26-year-old Turbeville.
"I definitely have more appreciation for the freedoms we have," Turbeville said. "And it gives you a greater sense that the time we have is limited, and you have to make the most of the opportunities you have."
Turbeville participated in team sports at Georgetown, but it was his fondness of wrestling that helped spur his interest in MMA. The physical demands on the mat and the mental toughness that must be exhibited are similar in both sports.
"I enjoyed the personal responsibility that went along with wrestling," Turbeville said. "When you got on the mat, win or lose, it was up to you."
Turbeville will fight in the welterweight class (155-170 pounds) and has been preparing for the bout under the watch of his longtime trainer, Jay Dennis.
Dennis is the head instructor at the Relson Gracie Jiu Jitsu center in Georgetown and is South Carolina's first black belt in the discipline - an honor he received from Relson Gracie himself.
"Having Relson visit our school was an honor," Dennis said. "He is a master at his craft and has forgotten more about it than most of us will ever know.
"He is to our sport what Lance Armstrong, Michael Phelps and Michael Jordan were to theirs. And he is so personable as well. It was special when he visited, it meant a lot to all of us."
Dennis says Turbeville's wrestling background has been an asset when it comes to training for MMA.
"Having the wrestling background has helped Dustin quite a bit," Dennis said. "His balance is good and it gave him an idea of what is required for some of the takedowns. He hasn't had to fight from his back and he has been able to secure the top position."
Because MMA fighters must be well-rounded, Turbeville has been adding more and more boxing skills to his repitore via his work with boxing coach Chris Goude.
"Chris is an excellent teacher," Dennis said. "Being able to work with him has improved Dustin's striking skills.
"...In Saturday's fight, the experience levels between Dustin and (Kirkpatrick) are basically the same. Dustin has trained hard. He's had good people to work with and we've exposed him to a lot of different things in his training. He's prepared and ready to go."
MMA bouts are still banned in the Palmetto State, but Dennis expects that to change in the future. A bill lifting the ban has passed the South Carolina House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee and is awaiting vote in the Senate.
The bill is expected to pass and Dennis believes MMA events could be taking place in South Carolina as soon as next year.
NOTE: For more information on the Clash at the Coast II or for ticket information visit www.carolinafightpromotions.comor Etix.com. For more information on Georgetown 's Relson Gracie Jiu Jitsu center, visit the school's location at 210 S. Frazier St. or call (843) 240-3714.
