Long before stepping foot in an MMA gym, Josh Kwiatkowski already sensed he was built for combat.
Raised in Aldergrove, B.C., the 25-year-old spent his youth immersed in rugby, football, and lacrosse through high school. Despite showing real talent and athletic ability across all three, he noted one shared element where he truly stood out.
"In every sport I excelled at, the one thing that always stuck with me was getting into physical altercations," Kwiatkowski recalled.
"That's where I shone brightest, and where I found the most enjoyment."
After one such altercation, his mother confronted him at age 16, warning that the fighting had to end or she'd stop supporting him at his games.
Not long afterward, Kwiatkowski chose to pursue MMA training. He committed to a rigorous schedule of six days per week and has remained focused ever since.
While his mother initially disapproved of his fighting in other sports, Kwiatkowski said his family has since become some of his strongest supporters and motivators throughout his MMA career.
"Family has always been a huge reason why I compete, and making them proud means everything to me. Representing my family and carrying my own name into the cage carries immense personal significance for me," Kwiatkowski shared.
"I understand how wild this path can be, and I don't worry about what strangers say about me. But the opinions of my family regarding my character and my fighting career mean the world to me, and I genuinely value their guidance."
A Mother's Mixed Emotions
Kwiatkowski's mother, Karen Weeks, has attended every single one of her son's fights in his career except one — his professional debut held in Brazil.
Weeks confirmed she'll keep showing up and cheering him on, but admitted the experience isn't easy.
"I despise watching it; I honestly hate it," Weeks admitted.
"I usually watch most of his bouts with my ears covered and my eyes shut, yet I fully back him."
Once Kwiatkowski decided to pursue MMA, he became completely dedicated. Weeks said she never tried to discourage him.
The sole request she made was that he always show respect, regardless of the outcome.
"I've only ever asked that he stay a humble competitor. If he'd ever become one of those disrespectful fighters, I would never come watch him, and to this day he has never let me down," Weeks stated.
"He's consistently shown humility and sportsmanship. In nine out of ten cases, he's sharing a drink with his opponent afterward. That's the type of fighter I wanted my son to become, and he's never disappointed me."
Training half a dozen days a week with boundless drive, there's no question Kwiatkowski pursues this sport for deeper reasons than mere entertainment.
Given his ambition, determination, and resilience, Weeks feels limitless potential awaits her son.
"He'll reach the very top. I have zero doubts about that," Weeks declared.
"He'll go as far as he chooses to go. You could hand him a million dollars and he still wouldn't walk away."
Setting His Sights High
Like many rising MMA prospects, Kwiatkowski's ultimate dream involves reaching the UFC. He's no exception.
Though the UFC represents his long-range ambition, the New Westminster resident also has nearer-term objectives to build toward that larger goal.
"My aim is to fight as frequently as physically possible over the coming years. I want to explore the globe, take on as many opponents as I can, and face the toughest competition available," Kwiatkowski explained.
"Within two years, I'd like to be competing in a major promotion, with Bellator being my preferred choice. I want to steadily climb until I feel completely ready as a mixed martial artist, then storm into the UFC with a statement performance."
Before that moment arrives, however, Kwiatkowski needs to deliver his next chapter: a July 27 matchup in Victoria, B.C. at Rise FC 4, where he faces American Grant Gorsegner in a lightweight bout.
Following consecutive defeats and a cancelled appearance at Modern FC 3 in June, Kwiatkowski enters the cage more motivated than ever to advance toward the summit.
"This is a renewed version of me; competing at 155 pounds makes the weight cut noticeably easier. That's one concern I won't even need to worry about."
"I've identified weaknesses in his approach that I plan to take advantage of. I'm genuinely excited, and I believe I'll finish this fight."
