While Binghamton's most famous Mixed Martial Artist has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons recently, another local fighter is just starting to make a name for himself. Paul Holt, 29, just recently began his pro MMA career, winning his first pro fight last weekend. Our Elyse Mickalonis sat down with him for a chat about his past, present and future.

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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Paul “The Phoenix” Holt made his pro debut last Saturday in Sterling, Virginia, defeating Josh Brown.

“Tough guy, very strong guy. He started grappling and ended up against the fence.
I start getting him in the ribs broke his ribs and he tapped out,” said Paul “The Phoenix” Holt, MMA professional.

Holt became interested in martial arts at the age of 11.

“I always had to fight adults even as a teenager, because I was more skilled.
So it was natural to transition into MMA and when they offered me to go pro it felt like the right thing to do,” said Holt.

Holt says his instructors at Rogue Phoenix MMA in Binghamton and local fan-base keep him determined in the cage.

“My camp keeps me as trained as I am and gets me where I want to be. If it wasn’t for all my local sponsors I wouldn’t be able to train as much or go on as many trips as I do,” said Holt.

His dream is to become one of the top ten MMA fighters in the world.

“I won’t feel happy until I fight within the top ten of the UFC. Even if I win or lose,” said Holt.

Fighter Aaron Bland has known Holt for about 11 years.

“I’ve always known Paul is an incredible striker and fighter from Phoenjitsu martial arts. We knew he had the passion, the drive, the intensity,” said Aaron "Hollywood" Bland, MMA Amateur.

Holt says, no matter how far he gets in his career, he has no plans to leave the area that’s raised and supported him his whole life.

“I’ve always been in the 607 and I intend to remain in the 607 for the entirety of my career,” said Holt.

A career he hopes will take him to the top. To learn more about Holt and where he trains visit www.roguephoenixmma.com.