Christian “Creech” Paden Pushes His Limits in a Pivotal Week of Dual TrainingThis week, Christian “Creech” Paden has once again demonstrated why he is one of the most promising talents emerging from Cortland Club Wrestling and Brojo Gym, by going to multiple practices a day and recovering from a head injury. Balancing the intense demands of collegiate wrestling with a rapidly developing mixed martial arts career, Paden has dedicated all his free time to perfecting his craft, as he prepares for his upcoming MMA fight on May 17.In a rigorous training regimen that blends wrestling practices with specialized MMA sessions in Homer, New York’s Brojo MMA gym, Paden is pushing both his physical and mental limits. His schedule has been packed with early morning workouts, technical drilling, and strategic sparring sessions, each component designed to refine his technique and boost his endurance, By doing all his MMA training and critiquing his wrestling for the match.“This week has been one of the toughest yet most rewarding periods of my training,” Paden said. Paden is currently dealing with a head injury that is causing him light vertigo. “Every session, whether on the mat or in the gym, is a chance to get better and prove to myself that I’m ready for the challenges ahead.”Paden’s journey highlights the integration of his wrestling background into his MMA pursuits. His wrestling foundation not only gives him a technical edge but also instills a work ethic that is crucial in both arenas.
In anticipation of his upcoming fight, his coach Zach Burhan of Brojo MMA emphasized the importance of this dual training approach. “Christian’s drive is unmatched,” said Burhan. “He came into this sport with a strong wrestling base, but what impresses me most is how fast he’s picked up the other aspects his striking, his cage control, his composure.” “This week especially, I’ve seen him lock in like never before.” Burhan said Paden is increasingly locked into his training. “He’s not just training to win a fight,” said Burhan. “He’s training like someone who plans to make a career out of this. That’s what separates him.”Likewise, his sparring partner Mason Lewis, who has been instrumental in testing and refining Padens skills during intense practice rounds, also has been at Brojo for multiple years and has been following Padens journey from the very beginning. “I’ve been in there with Creech during some of the hardest rounds this week, and let me tell you he doesn’t break,” said Lewis. “ He’s got that grind from wrestling, but he’s also becoming really sharp everywhere else. His pressure, his pace, it’s non-stop. Even when we’re both exhausted, he’s still digging deep. It’s motivating just to be around that kind of energy.”Paden continues to split his time between collegiate wrestling and MMA. With every drill and every bout in the cage, he is not just preparing for the May 17 fight, he is building a legacy that bridges two competitive sports. He accomplishes this by dedication and pure love of the sport.Local supporters such as The Cortland club wrestling team and teammates alike are rallying behind Paden, confident that his persistent dedication and balanced training will soon translate into success in the professional MMA arena.