Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/960711
"My sons and I were at dinner in a restaurant, and the TV had UFC [Ultimate Fighting Championship] on," Mitch said. "There happened to be a new MMA gym opening close to us. I dared my sons to go train with me. We planned on going that Saturday. Only Garrett got up to go." That first day in the gym marked the beginning of Garrett's life as an adaptive athlete. Gradually, through relentless work with trainers and his father, Garrett transformed into a fighter, losing weight — he dropped nearly 40 pounds from his 5-foot frame — adding muscle, and honing his punches, kicks, and takedowns. In 2013, during his first full-contact exhibition fight, Garrett took a punishing opening hit to the jaw from his opponent, a typical MMA fighter of similar height and weight named "Monster" Mike Wilson. The blow didn't dent his resolve to fight on. "I know the punch hurt because I heard it," Mitch said. "Garrett took it, paused for a second, stepped back, pulled his hands up like they should be, and went right back at Mike. That's when we all knew he was a fighter and it wouldn't be his last fight." "I like the challenge of fighting," Garrett said. "It's just in me. It makes me feel good." COMING OUT ON TOP During Garrett's time as a fighter, he and his team have faced no shortage of critics. Online trolls have denounced Garrett's participation in MMA as dangerous or exploitative. Members of the Holeves' extended family have questioned Mitch's wisdom as a parent. Garrett and Mitch have had to publicly lobby for Florida state officials to allow Garrett to fight. None of it has swayed Garrett from his passion. He works part-time at The Home Depot to pay his gym bill and spends the rest of his time training. "MMA is my lifestyle," Garrett said. All of that hard work has paid off. Now a fully sanctioned MMA fighter, Garrett became the first-ever Spire Sanctioning and Gateway Fighting Series Bantamweight Adaptive Champion in June 2017 in St. Louis. He defeated fellow MMA fighter and U.S. Paralympic National Team soccer player David Steffan, who has cerebral palsy, in the third fight between the pair. "It felt good to win," Garrett said. "It definitely was personal because it was our third fight." GIVING BACK Garrett imparts the lessons he's learned from his trainers through the Garrett's Fight Foundation, which provides training for adaptive athletes at gyms near his home. "We started it to help kids, teens, and adults stay healthy and fit," Garrett said. "People with special needs should have the same chance to enjoy going to the gym and be healthy and fit. The gym is a good place to make friends." Garrett's friends include many individuals from the differently- abled community, which he once hesitated to embrace out of a desire to avoid the labels that too often accompany it. "Because of our foundation and coaching of others, Garrett has embraced his role as a leader and mentor not just in the Down syndrome community, but as an athlete and coach, as well," Mitch said. Now, the nickname "G-Money" is more than a shield against labels. It stands for a loyal friend, teammate, and coach. "You can always count on him," Mitch said. "He will never give up and always deliver." Learn more about Garrett and his foundation at garrettsfight.org. of a Lifetime QUICK HITS Here's a glimpse into Garrett "G-Money" Holeve's prefight routine. • Go-to breakfast: Waffles • Focus technique: "I relax and rest as much as possible. I chill until it's time to wrap up and warm up." • Pump-up song: "Not Gonna Die" by Skillet GLOBALDOWNSYNDROME.ORG 29