CALIFORNIA — Team Iridium’s Anthony “Aquaman” Ivy is one of the most feared welterweight prospects in the fight game. The hard-hitting Texan boasts an impressive 8-2 record with five straight finishes, including triumphant showings in Fury FC and WXC championship bouts. But there’s a lot more to Anthony than what you see in the cage.
When you were growing up, what did you want to do for a living?
There were many things I wanted to be when I grew up. When I was really young my twin and I would play ninja in the front yard and try to do our own stunts. So for a while I wanted to be a ninja. As I got older I wanted to be in law enforcement because my grandfather Robert Ivy was a police officer in Washington, D.C. I wanted to be a football player. I wanted to be in the FBI and be the type of guy who kicked in doors. I wanted to join the military at one point and be in the infantry. I always wanted to do something dangerous.
How did you find MMA to begin with?
Long story short, I was studying my traditional martial art (Kuk Sool Won) at a place off of Walzem under Lawson Plummer. I was at a low point in my life and ended up reconnecting with my twin brother Dimitre after being estranged for almost four years. He was doing MMA and invited me to go train at this gym called Texas Powerhouse. I thought I knew how to fight but soon learned I was wrong. Dimitre put it on me, and I knew I had to learn what he was doing and ever since then it’s been a friendly competition even today.
Do you work outside of MMA? Do you have any hobbies?
My hobby is that I love to play video games. It keeps me sane from the chaos. I work at a transformational campus for people experiencing homelessness in downtown San Antonio called Haven for Hope. I am a life safety officer and have the rank of corporal. I enjoy the opportunity to help this vulnerable population and my community. I’ve learned a lot about compassion and deescalating crisis situations from my wife Laurie who works there as well, and from my Lieutenant Marty Cleveland and the rest of my fellow officers.
How do you feel about what you've accomplished so far?
I feel like I have a long way to go. This is just the beginning of my journey and I have a lot I want to accomplish. I am grateful that I am a three-time champion for Fury FC and a one-time champion for WXC.
What brings you to the Team Iridium family? How excited are you to join forces?
I am very excited! I feel like this team can help me get where I want to be. I feel like I can trust them and look forward to bringing other teammates with me as well.
What are your goals for 2020?
I want to make a statement in the welterweight division. I want to make it to the UFC and begin my journey in that organization.
Where would you like to be five years from today?
Top 10 in the world for welterweights. I want to financially provide extra income for my wife and daughter. I want to give back to my community and be able to help others.
How would you like to be remembered as a fighter?
As a legend. I want the Ivy name to be known and respected. I want my daughter to be proud of who her daddy is and what he’s done.
Follow Anthony on Instagram HERE.
Iridium Sports Agency is a full-service professional management firm. Founded in 2009 by attorney Jason House, Iridium represents more than 75 fighters in the UFC, Bellator and ProFightLeague. Iridium's team of agents is devoted to assisting athletes in all aspects of their professional lives.
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