Charles Byrd’s journey to the UFC feels like an individual version of the ascent of the gym he represents, Fortis MMA — a story of overnight success that didn’t happen overnight, but instead came through hard work, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to being the best fighter he could possibly be.
The 35-year-old middleweight earned the first stoppage win ever on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, submitting Jamie Pickett with an arm-triangle choke with five seconds remaining in the opening round of the second fight of the first episode of the hit summer series.
But rather than securing an opportunity to compete in the Octagon, Byrd got a chance to return five weeks later for a second appearance.