Questions and Answers: Inside Fighters – Deon “Big Smash” Clash

Deon “Big Smash” Clash is a 33-year-old light heavyweight who has already tasted the elite professional stage with Bellator and M-1 Global. Training under the mentorship of Anthony Birchak and alongside teammates from Dirty Boxing’s newest wave of talent, Clash has sharpened his skills as a brown belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner.

Right now, he’s preparing for his next comp — a BJJ match at Desert Duals on September 27th at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Beyond that, the Arizona native is eyeing a return to MMA competition, with an added interest in testing himself in dirty boxing.

As he put it himself:

“The next thing for me is a BJJ match for Desert Duals Sept 27th in Las Vegas at the UFC Apex Centre. And after that, I’m going back into MMA — or Dirty Boxing has really interested me. So maybe at some point you’ll see me on that card showing out!”

1. Which up-and-coming fighters do you think fans should be keeping an eye on right now?

“Here at Torotech MMA have a hive full of up-and-coming fighters, but the ones that stood out the most to me are Andrew Le and Manuel Morales. 2 guys with a dominant, exciting style and very athletic individuals.”

2. What’s next on the horizon for “Big Smash”? Any fights or projects lined up we should know about?

“The next thing for me is a BJJ match for Desert Duals on Sept 27th in Las Vegas at the UFC Apex Centre. And after that, going back into MMA or dirty boxing has really interested me. So maybe at some point you'll see me on that card showing out!”

3. Who inspired you the most to step into MMA and make this your career?

“There are 3 people who got me into MMA. The first was Nick "Nyquil" Rhoads. Old football teammate from high school. I got kind of bored of the college football, and I sent one text to him, and the next day I was training. The second person who really took me under his wing was Anthony "El Toro" Birchak. I can say he developed me into the combative athlete I am today. He took what I already had from being a high-level, well-rounded athlete in a new sport and moulded me into an entirely new beast. The 3rd person and the most important is my mother, Clarice Clash. She was always pushing me to new limits. Motivated me to constantly put myself in the brightest of lights. And really teaching me the importance of being a Black role model. So, in my head, what better way than doing MMA and showing kids you can be your own superhero?”

4. What keeps you motivated to fight, even though tough training camps and setbacks?

“What motivates me to continue is knowing how much sweat, blood and tears I've already sacrificed. So many people look up to me. I'll never know it, but I might be someone's reason why they didn't give up. I am beyond the point of return, and I have no options but to push forward.”

5. What has MMA taught you about yourself, both inside and outside the cage?

“MMA has taught me very beautiful things about myself and the absolute worst. But the best lesson I've learnt is how excruciatingly uncomfortable it feels to put yourself first and actually believe in doing something you've never dreamt or thought of doing. And the second biggest lesson I've learnt outside of the cage is control is everything. As a man having absolute control of your mind, life, finances, goals, etc., is a huge skill that I've obtained through the sport of MMA.”

6. And finally — is there anything cool or unique about you and your story that fans might not know yet?

“Most fans/teammates know that I have God-given strength physically and mentally, and I'm always trying my best to show what exactly I'm capable of doing in combat sports. I want people to know what the tip of the spear looks like and has been hidden in the dark for a while now, but I assure everyone I'm still and forever redefining what an elite-level athlete looks like.”

Torotech clearly seem to be building something special for the future, with fighters like Clash, Cannon, and Morales pushing through under Birchak’s guidance. And with “Big Smash” still hungry for more, fans can expect to see his name on big cards again soon.