Kirtland SNCO wins second pro MMA fight

  • Published
  • By Stefan Bocchino
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  Master Sgt. William Moore, 898th Munitions Squadron first sergeant, won his second professional mixed martial arts fight Jan. 14 at the "King of the Cage" fight at the Buffalo Thunder Resort in Santa Fe.

Moore's first professional fight was at a Wounded Warrior benefit as part of a military professional card in April 2011. He also won that fight, and has won both in the first round.

"I grew up wrestling, and when I was stationed at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., I got into the "Modern Army Combative Program" which is basically Jiu-Jitsu and MMA," said Moore. "When I moved to Albuquerque, I wanted to continue my training, and found the Albuquerque Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Vale Tudo Academy Gym to train at and continue to progress. I've been training for about four years."

Moore said he started training in 2008 with the combative program and progressed to MMA in 2009. The decision to go professional was a decision between him and his coach, William Carpenter, owner of the gym where Moore trains.

"The decision to go pro takes into account where you are in your training and what your goals are," said Moore. "I was at a place where it was a good time to progress to a professional level."

Moore said he trains about two to three hours a day. Even though MMA may seem hazardous, there are many safeguards in the sport, including protective equipment used for training and the opportunity to tap out of the fight if a fighter feels in danger of getting injured. He said he has been injured worse playing basketball, soccer and other sports than competing in MMA.

"I believe MMA helps me as an Airman, as part of our Warrior Ethos," said Moore. "It helps build confidence and physical fitness. It also helps me build a rapport with my troops. It's easy for them to approach me about it and talk to me."

He also said that the discipline of the military helps in his training and vice versa. He said that in balancing the Air Force and MMA, the Air Force is his priority.

"I think MMA helps me be a better Airman," said Moore. I've always had the support of my commander and my squadron while pursuing MMA. I'm looking to do more fights in the future, but the Air Force always comes first. It depends on the Air Force mission, whether I have time to fight."

As a veteran of nearly 16 years in the Air Force, he says that MMA training definitely helps increase his focus, discipline and physical fitness. His time management allows him to balance his duty with his training. He says that instead of spending time watching television and surfing the Internet, he uses his free time to train.

"There is plenty of time in the day to do physical training," said Moore. "If it is important to you, you will find the time."