Undefeated American MMA fighter Chase “Mannimal” Mann is determined to demonstrate that tenacity can surpass any difficult beginnings, regardless of how tragic they may seem.
The Arkansas native is set to make his promotional debut against Australian-Tongan fighter Isi “Doxz” Fitikefu in a welterweight matchup at ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev on Prime Video on January 23, in U.S. prime time.
Mann’s journey to the international arena is defined by resilience, recovery, and a steadfast belief that hard work and faith can transform lives. His transition from a troubled childhood in the Deep South to one of America’s rising MMA stars exemplifies the essence of second chances. Before his first appearance at Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium, let’s explore Mann’s remarkable journey to ONE Championship.
From Turmoil to Triumph
Mann, the middle child among three siblings, grew up amidst the rural backdrop of Arkansas, particularly in the small towns of Paragould and Lake City. However, his childhood was fraught with instability due to his parents’ battles with drug addiction. Despite their love and encouragement for their children to engage in various sports, substance abuse created a chaotic environment, leading the Mann siblings to split their time between their parents and grandparents.
By age 10, Mann faced legal issues, including his first arrest for vandalism, which masked deeper emotional turmoil. Reflecting on his past, Mann stated:
“I don’t like saying I was a bad kid ’cause I don’t like to put that label on me. But I made a lot of bad choices.
“My parents were both addicts. They were great parents… but they just had an addiction.”
A Turning Point
After multiple minor arrests, a court-ordered therapist encouraged his parents to send him to a faith-based treatment center named Lord’s Ranch. A sudden intervention led to his unexpected relocation to the facility, which promised a nine-month program but instead subjected him to physical abuse and psychological trauma. Mann eventually left when a family visit exposed his injuries, leading to a lawsuit against the facility.
Despite ongoing struggles, a pivotal moment arrived when Mann welcomed his first child at 19. This event ignited a transformation within him, prompting him to turn his life around. He expressed:
“Once my daughter was born, it kind of just woke up something inside of me. God kept me grounded.”
Pursuit of a Dream
Throughout his unstable childhood, one aspect remained constant: his passion for combat sports. Although he initially pursued football, his true calling emerged after his daughter’s birth, leading him to powerlifting and eventually to MMA.
At 21, after training at a martial arts school, Mann realized he wanted to dedicate himself to MMA fully. His first experience in the cage was both exhilarating and calming, marking the beginning of a successful athletic journey. Mann won his debut fight in just 90 seconds, followed by several victories and a title win in February 2023.
Ready for the Spotlight
In 2025, Mann expressed his ambition to compete at an elite level, fueling his desire to join ONE Championship. His determination led him to reach out to the organization after his recent victory, resulting in a scheduled match against Fitikefu.
On January 23, as “Mannimal” steps into the “Madison Square Garden of the East,” he will fight not only for himself but also for every child facing adversity, proving that change is achievable. With the bell ringing, Mann will be ready to show the world that he belongs in this arena.
